For many designers, originality is the difference between a dress and a statement. It’s what makes someone recognise a piece before hearing the name behind it. SNDR Mode, founded in 2019 by Sandra Ugochi Igwe, understands that difference. The womenswear brand is built on intentional design, producing garments that balance structure and movement while celebrating individuality.
Rooted in West African aesthetics but shaped by global fashion language, SNDR Mode designs for the expressive woman who values grace, confidence, and a touch of drama. With the 2023 Ugochi Collection, the brand explores beauty through form, texture, and originality.
Look 1: White in motion
The first look, an all-white set of a cargo-style shirt and flowing skirt, is a study in minimalist drama. The collared shirt, with buttoned cuffs and pocket details, tucks neatly into a full-length skirt cinched with a drawstring waist. Multiple patch pockets line the skirt, lending it a utilitarian twist against the soft, fluid drape of the fabric.
It’s a bold attempt at marrying structure and ease, and it mostly works. The repetition of pocket motifs adds personality, though the overall volume could be reduced slightly to refine the silhouette. Still, it’s the kind of piece that turns heads quietly. It’s a perfect mix: original, functional, and self-assured.
Look 2: Modern tradition
The second outfit pairs a crisp white top with patterned Ankara trousers reconstructed as a skirt. The blouse, with a bateau neckline, ruffled midsection, and voluminous sleeves, balances femininity with form. It rests lightly against the waist, where the bold-print bottoms take over with the wide cut and artful slits.
It’s playful, cultural, and contemporary. The slits add movement and a modern edge, but their number could be reduced to avoid distraction. With minor restraint, this design could sit beautifully between originality and wearability.
Look 3: Green authority
The final look steps into structured sophistication. It is a two-piece ensemble featuring a mixed-pattern blazer and a tiered satin skirt. The blazer, designed with a curved shawl collar and fitted sleeves, combines houndstooth fabric with sheer lace and a hint of shimmer. The skirt beneath cascades in layers, catching light with each step.
The colour palette, featuring deep green, teal, and silver, flatters dark skin beautifully, while the textures bring depth. Yet, the construction could be more seamless; the tiers on the skirt appear rushed and the pleating uneven. With a sharper finish, this would easily be a red-carpet favourite.
The verdict
The 2023 Ugochi Collection is a confident statement of originality, one that mirrors the evolving identity of Nigerian fashion. Each piece is distinct, expressive, and designed for women who refuse to blend in. Though some finishing details need polishing, Sandra Ugochi Igwe continues to prove that her vision is rooted in authenticity, and that, in itself, is fashion at its purest form.
