In today’s fashion world, runway shows have evolved beyond mere clothing presentations, standing instead as bold statements of creativity and living works of art. Each collection carries a narrative, woven through fabric, silhouette, and detail, that reflects not only the vision of the designer but also the cultural moment it inhabits.

For the Elizabeth Tobi fashion brand headed by Adetutu Jokanola, this philosophy is at the heart of its latest collection, where fashion is not simply worn but experienced.

At the 2025 Afro Fashion Show in Manchester, Adetutu Jokanola, the creative director of Elizabeth Tobi, launched the “Boripe Collection”, which was the star of the show, captivating audiences with its mix of elegance, inclusivity, and creativity. In this critical evaluation, we focus on Adetutu Jokanola’s “Boripe Collection”, examining its standout features and the impression it left on the runway.

The “Boripe Collection” by this brilliant Nigerian fashion designer, Adetutu Jokanola, is a captivating blend of elegance, inclusivity, and creativity. The “Boripe Collection” is an African-inspired fashion line paying homage to the Motherland, drawing from the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, and blending colourful African wax prints, handwoven fabrics (Aso Oke), upcycled denim, culture, and inclusion for stylish women.

The focus was on sustainability and upcycling, creating aesthetically pleasing, timeless, and unique pieces. The collection aims to bridge the gap between street, casual, and cultural fashion, creating a fusion of wearable works of art. The collection is not just visually captivating but also deeply meaningful and purposeful.

Adetutu’s designs speak to the fusion of dreams, purpose, artistry, and intention. The collection conveys a sense of timelessness, cultural depth, and artistic inspiration, perfectly encapsulating the brand’s ethos. Adetutu pays great attention to detail, creating designs that are visually stunning and socially impactful.

One standout aspect of the collection is its commitment to inclusivity and ethical fashion. Featuring models of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds, Adetutu challenges traditional beauty standards and celebrates diversity in fashion.

In terms of design, Adetutu demonstrates a keen eye for style and sophistication. The use of luxurious fabrics such as Aso Oke adds a touch of glamour to each outfit. Vivid African wax prints, handwoven Aso Oke, and upcycled denim, paired with bold cuts and detailed stitching, gave the collection its striking runway appeal.

The collection showcases Adetutu’s creativity and originality. From the colourful Aso Oke-denim jacket and regal Aso Oke suit gown with lace details to the denim-Aso Oke gown reminiscent of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, each piece tells a unique story. Adetutu’s ability to blend traditional elements with modern touches is commendable, creating a collection that feels both timeless and contemporary.

The styling and set design of the collection further enhance its appeal. The choice of accessories, hair, and makeup complements each outfit perfectly, adding to the overall aesthetic. The use of a simple colour palette, predominantly blue and white with brown, creates a cohesive look that ties the collection together beautifully.

Overall Vanity Total (OVT):
The OVT of the “Boripe Collection” by Adetutu Jokanola is exceptional, scoring 8.5 out of 10. Adetutu’s meticulous attention to detail in styling, accessories, and presentation elevates each look, creating a visually stunning and cohesive show.

Originality and Innovation (OI):
In terms of OI, Adetutu’s collection is a standout, scoring 8.5 out of 10. The collection features a diverse range of looks that push the boundaries of traditional fashion, with each piece showcasing a unique design.

Individual Show Looks

First Piece
This ensemble channels a bold retro spirit, fusing modern sensuality with vintage barrel-leg trousers. The structured striped upcycled denim and Aso Oke trousers paired with a cropped fusion of denim and Aso Oke jacket bring a touch of tailored sophistication, while the black bralette underneath introduces a daring edge. The wide-leg silhouette, with its vertical stripes, elongates the figure and highlights a confident, powerful stance.

Gold jewellery and hoop earrings add a glamorous finish, perfectly complementing the voluminous afro hairstyle that nods to 1970s fashion icons.

Accessory Rating: 8/10
The layered gold jewellery and statement hoops balance strength with elegance, amplifying the outfit’s commanding aura.

Makeup and Hair Rating: 9/10
The bold red lip and voluminous afro capture the essence of vintage glamour, seamlessly tying into the outfit’s retro-modern theme.

Trends and Themes: A revival of the 1970s aesthetic infused with contemporary tailoring, presenting a celebration of bold femininity and cultural pride.

Impact on Fashion: Striking. This look challenges traditional silhouettes by blending heritage-inspired textures (denim and Aso Oke) with modern sensuality, paving the way for retro styles to thrive in current fashion.

Closer Look: The craftsmanship of the jacket, with its mix of textures and precise cut, stands out as a highlight, showcasing meticulous attention to detail.

Future Analysis: This design has strong potential to influence street style and high fashion alike, offering versatility for both runway and editorial features.

Celebrity Style and Inspiration: A likely choice for performers and public figures who want to exude strength, glamour, and individuality, especially on stage or in bold editorial shoots.

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Makeup and Hair Rating
The makeup and hair for each look are exceptionally well-executed, beautifully complementing the outfits. The hairstyles, though varied, maintain a classic and elegant appeal, perfectly in tune with the overall aesthetic. 8/10.

Trends and Themes
The collection draws inspiration from regal aesthetics, showcasing classic elegance and luxury. The consistent use of gold accents and lace motifs adds a timeless and sophisticated touch to each piece.

Impact on Fashion
The collection’s emphasis on inclusivity is a remarkable stride forward for the fashion industry, setting a positive example for diversity and acceptance. The well-crafted designs offer a fresh perspective, introducing groundbreaking concepts that undoubtedly contribute to the industry’s evolving narrative of inclusivity and beauty in diversity.

A Closer Look
Each piece is a testament to Adetutu’s meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. The intricate lacework, upcycled denim, Aso Oke, and embellishments showcase a high level of skill and artistry, creating a collection that feels both luxurious and inviting.

Future Analysis
With Adetutu Jokanola as the lead designer of the fashion brand Elizabeth Tobi, I can affirm that future collections from her will definitely hold great promise as she continues to explore new materials, shapes, and silhouettes. Her commitment to sustainable practices and ethical sourcing is commendable and will undoubtedly enhance her brand’s reputation and relevance in the industry.

Celebrity Style and Inspiration
The collection’s regal and luxurious aesthetic is sure to appeal to celebrities seeking elegant and statement-making pieces for red carpet events. Its timeless appeal transcends trends, offering a sense of glamour and sophistication that is both captivating and enduring.

Flair to the Outfit
The collection exudes sophistication and glamour, with each piece adding a unique flair to the overall aesthetic. The accessories add a touch of elegance and refinement, enhancing the outfits’ impact on the runway.

Overall Show Percentile
The “Boripe Collection” by Adetutu Jokanola deserves high praise, receiving a score of 8.5/10 for its exceptional quality, creativity, ethical fashion, and inclusivity. Adetutu’s designs, attention to detail, and commitment to diversity make this collection a true standout in the fashion industry, setting a standard of excellence for future collections.