Fashion is shifting. Consumers are moving away from loud logos and excess toward a quieter, more personal form of luxury. Understated elegance — minimal lines, neutral tones, and timeless shapes — is beginning to take root. For many designers, it’s a risky pivot. But Aisoben, founded by Aisosa Faithful Enodunmwenben, is leaning into the change.
With its roots in African heritage and couture craftsmanship, the brand prioritises small-batch production, slow fashion, and hand-stitched detail. The 2022 collection reflects that ethos: fluid yet structured, confident yet pared back. Three pieces stand out, each aiming to embody quiet luxury.
Look 1: Navy off-shoulder gown
A fitted navy gown with ruffle detailing, this piece tries to balance simplicity with drama. The off-shoulder neckline features layered ruffles, while a vertical ruffle runs from waist to knee before flaring into a godet.
The silhouette is clean, but the details fall short. The neckline ruffle reads unfinished, and the waist ruffle lacks structure, leaving the bodice looking flat. The godet at the hem brings movement but feels like an afterthought. Extending the flare from the knee down would have given the skirt a more natural balance.
Overall, it’s a gown with potential, but the craftsmanship doesn’t quite meet the brand’s ambition. Accessories could elevate it, but the garment itself needs sharper finish and control.
Look 2: Yellow V-neck gown
Here, Aisoben finds firmer footing. A deep yellow gown with balloon sleeves and a clean V-neckline, it pairs volume with restraint. The ruffle running through the skirt is structured and intentional, unlike the first piece.
The sleeves are the strongest feature, balancing the straight cut of the gown and bringing life to the silhouette. The neckline draws subtle attention without overpowering the design. Still, the continuous bodice-to-skirt flow reads a little flat. Breaking it with a defined waist or subtle bodice panel would add dimension.
The back of the gown is less convincing, with ruffles that disrupt the flow of the hem. Cleaning up the joins and ensuring consistency would refine the finish. Despite that, this look holds more sophistication than the first. With edits to the lower half, it could become one of the collection’s strongest pieces.
Look 3: Blush with ruffles
The third piece in the collection is a blush-toned gown that balances softness with drama. It features slim straps and a fitted bodice that runs smoothly into the waist before breaking into a cascading ruffle that cuts diagonally down the front. The ruffle also frames the thigh-high slit, adding movement and a touch of boldness to an otherwise clean silhouette.
The fabric choice, satin with a gentle sheen, helps the colour read as refined rather than overly sweet. It highlights the body without clinging too tightly, creating a feminine shape that feels elegant.
Still, there are details that could be sharpened. The ruffle’s placement is eye-catching, but the finish could be neater; in parts, it risks looking heavy rather than fluid. The slit, while dramatic, might benefit from a slightly higher or lower adjustment to improve balance. A little structure at the bodice, either through boning or a firmer seam at the waist, would also give the dress more hold and polish.
Despite those tweaks, the gown is versatile. Styled with minimal jewellery and strappy heels, it can hold its own at formal events, but with bolder accessories it could just as easily shift into red-carpet territory. It’s the kind of look that doesn’t shout but leaves a lasting impression.
The verdict?
Aisoben’s 2022 collection makes a clear argument for quiet luxury. It shows commitment to craft, small-batch discipline, and slow-stitched detail. Each piece demonstrates intent, even if the execution falters in places.
With sharper ruffle structures, cleaner finishes, and more balanced proportions, these designs could move from promising to exceptional. As it stands, they represent a brand on the right path, one using restraint and heritage to build its own definition of modern elegance.
