The origin of clothes can be dated back to the period when outfits were made for humans from plant materials. Fashion, however, progressed to the use of animal skins and bones to make garments.

Over the years, due to social, political, and cultural shifts, fashion became a tool to express status and luxury among individuals. During ancient civilisations, outfits evolved from traditional modest wear to royal apparel. Clothes were no longer made only to cover nakedness; they were also produced to distinguish groups of people in communities.

The rich were recognised with one glance at their attire, and vice versa for the lower-class people. Later, structured outfits were crafted with elaborate designs.

Fashion has become an art to reflect power and sophistication among people. Humans began to express their culture and personalities through their clothes. The era of mass production; however, made clothes accessible to the public, thus bridging the gap that caused segregation in various societies. This move enabled the fashion industry to embrace inclusiveness and sustainability in our world today.

Global fashion has revolutionised, and Africa’s fashion history has also experienced dynamic changes. From the materials to the techniques used in the production of outfits, there has been a shift from traditional designs to contemporary styles. Today, exceptional brands create wear with a blend of classical motifs and current trends.

One brand that has successfully done that is Opong. It was officially launched by Samuel Oppong in July 2019. His passion for the business was influenced by his grandmother and mother’s dedication to the industry. His grandmother was a talented seamstress who passed down the legacy to her daughter, who excelled greatly as a Fashion designer.

Oppong’s journey was an inspiring one. After about 17 months of practicing, he decided to get a professional qualification, so he applied for a master’s program in fashion business. This training enabled him to rebrand Opong, and this transformation led to the remarkable brand we know today. Opong has released some outstanding collections over the years, which have gotten tremendous recognition in the industry.

The first outfit in its recent collection is a two-piece waistcoat and trousers. This wear is a unique piece that can be styled for all events. It is an interesting attire that captivates onlookers and is perfect for wearers with an ectomorph body type.

The V-neck of the vest provides a visually slimming effect. It elongates the neck, accentuates the shoulders, and provides room for proper aeration. The neckline also complements women with a smaller bust and is the perfect cut to showcase enough skin without revealing cleavage.

The jacket has no sleeves. It keeps the wearer comfortable and is the right outfit for warm seasons, allowing for maximum styling and can switch looks from being informal to sophisticated. It flaunts the hands, showcasing toned arms and engaging admirers. Sleeveless designs are considered fashion-forward styles and trendy in our generation.

The length of the vest is an alluring feature of this piece. The outfit was designed to be slightly shorter than the regular waistcoat. The edge of the vest has an asymmetrical cut, with the front revealing the upper part of the trousers. One can also not overlook the deliberate edge detailing technique used. The label edge was crafted using colorful pattern material. This adds visual interest and shows intelligent craftsmanship at work.

Another compelling attribute of this piece is the zip that brings the vest together. For a typical waistcoat, buttons are used to fasten the jacket. However, this design shows creative thought in the style selection. The trousers are cut freely to allow for easy movement, and the pockets give this design an edge over other outfits because of their functionality.

The use of colors in this outfit is sure to grab the attention of spectators. The front view of the waistcoat uses green and cream symmetrically. It creates an appealing contrast with the back view, which is plain green. Similarly, the posterior area of the trousers is made from plain green material, while the frontal perspective of the trousers implements three natural colors.

This piece can be styled in various ways. Heels would elevate this outfit and give the wearer a corporate look. Flat shoes are also a good match for this two-piece. A dress shirt can be worn under the vest during cold seasons. Statement earrings would go with this outfit when no undershirt is worn, while minimalistic jewelry should be used when styled with a button-up shirt.

The color palette is themed with soft, fresh, and natural colors.
The balance of three colors: green, cream, and white is an excellent choice. It gives the body a calm feeling and a look of sophistication. The contrasting colors used underneath to create a label edge are a striking addition to the color scheme. It does no harm to the design but rather draws attention to the details of the outfit. The gold zip flows naturally with the other parts of the vest.

From the choice of fabric to the cutting and sewing of the cloth, the manufacturing process was flawless. The fabric appears luxurious and lightweight. The sewing looks professional with neat stitches that highlight the excellent work done by the artisans.

If modelled on a mannequin and marketed efficiently in a boutique, this outfit would be easy to sell.

The second outfit is a modern design perfect for both casual and semi-formal outings.

This is a two-piece crop top and cargo pants, which have a fun and youthful feel.

In contrast to the typical round-neck tops that are commonly paired with trousers, we see the bold idea of the designer trying something new.

The short sleeves flow freely and end with a cuffed sleeve design. This adds structure and a casual aesthetic to the top. Its sleeves make this outfit suitable for both warm and cold seasons.

The mix of colors draws attention to certain areas. The use of white in the front panel of the shirt and the lower pockets of the trousers creates a distinction with the blue fabric. The silver buttons used on the top give a subtle shine that enhances the piece.

The big blue closed pockets at the chest region of the top are a creative way to add more convenience for the wearer. Another engaging feature is the elastic waistband, which gives a stretchy and comfortable fit.

This outfit can be styled based on the wearer’s preference. Generally, heels would give this piece a formal look, while sports canvas would give it a casual appeal. Flat shoes or platform slippers are also a good pair and can be worn with this piece, depending on the occasion.

The sewing is neat, and the flow of material used is impeccable. The fabric is premium and appears to have a smooth and soft feel. The techniques implemented show a high level of proficiency by the tailors and designers.

This third outfit is an engaging piece that effortlessly embodies elegance and femininity. The blouse is made of two parts, a top and a corset. The top is a round-neck short-sleeve blouse with a silver zipper. It is made from a black soft fabric.

The design of the blouse is simple and straight.

The corset is made from a red material, and it flows freely to form a large bow in front, with the tails passing the knee, one longer than the other. The corset is connected at the back with a red zip. Though this is a creative style, it may not appeal to a wide audience of women. The big bow can be too distracting and may restrict movement for minimalistic dressers. It also hides the bust of the wearer and can be a turn-off for women who love to flaunt their silhouette.

The trousers are made from two materials, a white fabric and the red material used to make the corset. It has a loose fit that allows for free movement. The bottoms of the trousers were finished with red fabric to form a wide hem. Though this is a creative style, the use of red at the edge doesn’t form a smooth blend with the corset. This piece would have been better with simple white trousers.

The brand sources its fabrics locally to maintain sustainability, support local brands and small businesses. High-quality materials are deliberately sourced, and each authentic piece is handcrafted in their artisanal studio located in Accra.