Cosmopolitan has built its name on confident, feminine design. Under creative director Arimiyau Kolapo Mustapha, the brand has consistently delivered sophisticated womenswear with an emphasis on fabric quality and tailored silhouettes. The 2023 collection carries the same ambition: a blend of classical inspiration, modern shape, and decorative detail.
But while the craft is evident, not every decision serves the clothes or the customer.
LOOK 1
The first look channels quiet luxury with a silk white blouse and skirt. The choice of fabric is premium: smooth, lightweight, structured, and season-appropriate. It feels refined, but the colour and fabrics are high-maintenance. White pieces are notoriously prone to staining, and the colour is often regarded more for occasion wear. On top of that, silk satin fabrics require delicate care. This will limit wearability for many buyers.
The blouse features long bell sleeves, adding modest coverage and volume to the upper silhouette. The V-neckline broadens the shoulders and frames the face cleanly, while the tailored bust and waist keep the shape controlled, making it suitable for most body shapes.
An A‑line flare at the waist breaks into an asymmetrical hem with layered panels, adding personality to the overall look. It’s a neat construction detail, though the all‑white treatment makes it read flat. A subtle contrast or accessory integration (for example, a slim waist belt) could inject more definition.
The matching silk skirt mirrors the blouse in quality, with a flawless lining for opacity. The back slit, however, is cut high, stopping above mid‑thigh. This will appeal to some but alienate others who prefer more coverage. A knee‑length fit with a moderate slit would broaden the audience without dulling the silhouette. As it stands, the overall look is phenomenal, and the set has strong design merit, but it will be niche in appeal.
The look is versatile and can be worn as corporate or occasion wear.
LOOK 2
The second look is a structured mint green dress with a tiered skirt. The round, high neckline gives a formal tone, though a V‑neck could better elongate the neck and point away from the face.
Drawing inspiration from classical designs, it mimics inflatable dresses crafted for princesses in a Disney movie. The mint green colour gives it a calm, fresh aura. This dress can be worn in both semi-formal and formal settings.
Dramatic puffed short sleeves balance the proportions, while the fitted bust and high waist lead into a long balloon shirt that exaggerates the hips. The thick satin fabric gives structure, and the tiered hem adds presence, but the restriction at the knee interrupts natural movement. Adjusting the cut for an easier stride would improve comfort. The piece stands out for its theatrical quality, and it’s not an everyday option.
Overall, the dress gives enough room for styling. A wide range of stilettos or flat shoes can be matched with this piece, with a pair of matching bags. Statement jewellery would highlight the wearer’s face and balance the structure of the outfit.
LOOK 3
The final set combines a white chiffon blouse with a colour‑blocked skirt. Though the sheer blouse makes it ideal for layering, it also demands undergarment planning. The orange collar and sleeve cuffs add a strong visual break, but the oversized pleated cuffs, while dramatic, will limit practicality.
Made from a thicker fabric, the skirt pairs a raspberry waistband with a softer rose body, separated by a clean seam. The thigh‑high slit brings sharpness to the straight cut but makes it less appealing for modest wearers. Decorative buttons at the slit edge add a crafted detail, but the slit placement leans more toward evening wear.
Overall, Cosmopolitan’s 2023 collection is ambitious and a little well‑executed in construction. The fabrics are carefully chosen, and the tailoring is controlled. Where the collection falters is in wearability: high‑maintenance materials, restrictive cuts, and statement details that limit versatility. Refining proportions, adjusting key lengths, and introducing more adaptable styling choices would make these pieces resonate with a wider audience.
