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Let these styles from the Nigerian label’s IBEJI collection be the stars of your year-end celebrations.
   

By Lindsay Samson

Oct 28, 2021

While the celebrations that would usually fill our holiday calendars last year were significantly scaled-down, this Christmas provides an opportunity for style excess. Festive dressing is back in full force, and most of us are simply itching to throw together a new party look. After a collective sartorial slump, there’s a renewed desire to invest in some distinctive party ensembles that will have you sparkling throughout the season.

For those who love to stand out, holiday soirées, Christmas drinks, and New Year’s Eve parties are your time to shine. And what better way to do so than in the latest designs from Nigerian brand Fruché? Founded in 2014 by Frank Aghuno, Fruché fuses contemporary design and elements of the designer’s Bini heritage to create collections that exude a spirit of irreverent elegance. Fueled by a mission to challenge the narrative of how Nigerian women are expected to dress, the designer created a line for the modern woman that features stand-out pieces in unconventionally feminine silhouettes that boast an emphasis on deft tailoring. With a cutting-edge mix of sumptuous traditional materials and unexpected details, discover the six vital pieces from the brand’s IBEJI ’21 collection that are perfect for any occasion on the festive calendar.

Taiwo Dress. Photo: Courtesy of Fruché.

Onyisi Dress. Photo: Courtesy of Fruché.

Agiliga Dress. Photo: Courtesy of Fruché.

A truly experimental spin on the classic white shirt dress that’s perfect for an end-of-year office shindig, Fruché’s White Osagie Shirt is a head-turning alternative to the traditional LBD. Crafted from cotton and featuring hand-draped folds across its front, the gown exemplifies the Nigerian brand’s inclination toward the uncustomary and offers a polished yet whimsical take on workplace chic. With its corresponding element of hand-drapery, the Multicolor Osagie style is the former’s slightly carefree little sister, its black and yellow checkered-style print radiating a palpable sense of play. Accessorize with a few party-ready favorites like a headband, pint-sized purse, and ankle boots: Khokho Collections Ball Bag is a practical and subtle addition to either dress. In contrast, Shekudo’s Odo boot will deliver the requisite pop of color to the White Osagie Shirt.

Got something a little more glamorous to attend? Whether it be a formal dinner party or a date with the dancefloor, Fruché has you covered with its Agiliga and Onyisi dresses. Crafted from cotton and luxe cashmere, respectively, both are the epitome of irrefutable femininity and reveal a deep consideration for the diversity of the female form. Displaying the brand’s signature cut out elements, they’re striking examples of Aghuno’s wholly original vision, one that eschews safe in favor of the dramatic with a dash of sensuality. It’s a risk that’s paid off, resulting in wearable art pieces like these that convey quiet confidence. Team it with a strappy stiletto sandal or opt for a more classic style, like Shekudo’s Agbo Mule. And tie it all together with subtle jewelry and purse choices that allow your gown to shine: New Tangier’s Salma Clutch will play up your look’s elegance without distracting from the piece itself. At the same time, Pichulik’s Garland Hoops provide the finest of embellishment and are sure to become a stalwart of your fine jewelry arsenal quickly.

Now, we know it’s a tad early to be talking about Christmas (although you wouldn’t know it from the festive decorations popping up). Still, there’s just something about Fruché’s Taiwo Dress and Wanda Skirt that oozes festive cheer. Perhaps it’s the avant-garde silhouette or its hand-dyed green Adire form; whatever the case may be, they’re both magical designs that embody the season’s joyful cheer. And since Christmas is a chance to depart from your typical taste and embrace brighter colors and playful embellishments, we suggest pairing them with a few gleaming, gold-toned jewels by Adele Dejak. Turn to the Wanda skirt for a low-key celebratory drinks date with close friends and keep the innate glamour offered by its companion dress for a date with the dancefloor. 

Shop Fruché

Agiliga Shirt Dress
Agiliga Shirt Dress
Agiliga Shirt Dress
Agiliga Shirt Dress
Agiliga Shirt Dress
Agiliga Shirt Dress
Agiliga Shirt Dress
Agiliga Shirt Dress

Fruché

Agiliga Shirt Dress

$500
Onyisi Shirt Dress
Onyisi Shirt Dress
Onyisi Shirt Dress
Onyisi Shirt Dress
Onyisi Shirt Dress
Onyisi Shirt Dress

Fruché

Onyisi Shirt Dress

$500
Wanda Skirt
Wanda Skirt
Wanda Skirt
Wanda Skirt
Wanda Skirt
Wanda Skirt
Wanda Skirt
Wanda Skirt

Fruché

Wanda Skirt

$400
Taiwo Dress
Taiwo Dress
Taiwo Dress
Taiwo Dress
Taiwo Dress
Taiwo Dress
Taiwo Dress
Taiwo Dress

Fruché

Taiwo Dress

$550
Multicolor Osagie Shirt Dress
Multicolor Osagie Shirt Dress
Multicolor Osagie Shirt Dress
Multicolor Osagie Shirt Dress

Fruché

Multicolor Osagie Shirt Dress

$450
White Osagie Shirt Dress
White Osagie Shirt Dress
White Osagie Shirt Dress
White Osagie Shirt Dress
White Osagie Shirt Dress
White Osagie Shirt Dress

Fruché

White Osagie Shirt Dress

$450