What Yemi Shoyemi Dress Are You Today?

Social media has been on a rampage creating moodboards and style trends for its perceived archetype of women. The TikToks often categorise women into five to seven microtrends— goth, coquette, preppy, earthy or siren. However, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean is the Lagos city of Ikoyi. Home to several fashion-forward brands, Lagos is no stranger to fashion-shaping culture. The latest mould was created by the label, Yemi Shoyemi, and it is turning the stereotypical archetypes on their heads. But before that what was Yemi Shoyemi?

There’s an extra layer of moisture in the air on the island but it adds to the vegetative scenery at The Guest House, Ikoyi. The ambience is fitting but nothing prepares you for the six outfits that represent the next step for Yemi Shoyemi. Today is the unveiling of their latest collection and no one was expecting what they saw.

WHAT IS YEMI SHOYEMI

Yemi Shoyemi (YS) is an eponymous label that established itself in the bridal industry. The brand gained fame from its craftsmanship, intricate detailing, and hand-woven designs. This is a feat Shoyemi is very proud of. “Every detail is executed with precision and artistry,” she says at the launch.

Shoyemi has nailed the creation of a YS Bride but her latest collection sees the brand step into womenswear. With a few evening dresses decking the halls of The Guest House, Shoyemi has a lot to explain, why now and who is this new Yemi Shoyemi?

“The YS woman has and will always be elegant, poise, and opulent. This is just me taking the bold step to interpret these values outside bridal wear.” Furthermore, Shoyemi refuses to categorise women saying, “Everyone is multidimensional. My clothes show that— the versatility of women. They switch clothes from day to night. Every outfit here tells a story and depending on the day, there will be one that resonates with you.”

So while the internet implies women have to fit into a certain archetype or stick to a style, she explains that style is fluid. It is not wearing the same outfit every day, it is translating ideals and dreams of who you are into garments.

The collection titled Noir Opulence instills several points from Shoyemi’s stance alongside retaining everything the industry has grown to love about the YS bridal.

INTO THE NOIR OPULENCE COLLECTION:

Shoyemi feels a personal collection of her designs and names each piece. However, the names are heavily inspired by their designs and colour palettes. There are six focal pieces in the collection; Safari Bloom, Celeste, Obsidian, Ruby Reign, Eclipse, and Soleil Noir.

She bashfully tells the story of each piece, breaking down their designs to the smallest details. At the end of her tale, she asks, “What story resonates with you today? Arrange each piece according to the week, which feels like a Monday?” 

This interactive session gives a closer insight into the world-building of Noir Opulence. It is a choose your destiny game; you make choices and see what look fits your perspective. So here are their stories, and remember to select which screams how you are feeling today!

SAFARI BLOOM

“This represents youthful exuberance as a whole,” Shoyemi says as she points at one of two of the only mini dresses in the catalogue. The silhouette bubbles out from below the waist to its hem. The blue bubbled structure gives it an aura identical to what Shoyemi describes it as. Its bust and shoulder incorporate a different fabric, they opt for black velvet with pleats. “These were hand stitched because velvet is delicate and that’s the duality of youthfulness; it is bright and tender.”

This duality is tied together by a see-through corset which connects the vibrant blue hem to the quiet velvet bust. A solid Friday, if you asked me.

RUBY REIGN

“This is fearlessness. You can not hide in a red suit.” Another statement that encapsulates its clothing counterpart. The two-piece consists of a cropped red blazer and high-waisted red pants. A closer look at the blazer at there are beaded accents on its body.

SOLEIL NOIR

The term Soleil noir translated to English is sun black. Soleil means sun in the French language and for this one, Shoyemi plays a little light and dark on the dress. The colours gold, white, and black are constantly pulled and merged in this piece. The scene stealer on this evening dress is the black mermaid hem made of tulle.

CELESTE

The second of the two mini dresses is a blue ruched dress with a large bow at its hip. However, Shoyemi had a secret reveal. “The bow is detachable!” The option to drag around a large bow as you walk seems extreme and dramatic, but that’s Celeste for you. She is dramatic.

ECLIPSE

Eclipse is the reverse of Celeste. She bears a familiar silhouette, and the black gives an air of a safe look. But that’s Eclipse’s charm. You think you can see her, then she turns her exposed back, and the breaths are taken away. The velvet dress has a lengthy front slit reminiscent of the Angelina Jolie red carpet looks. 

OBSIDIAN

The artistry of a bridal wear designer shines in Obsidian’s design. The tube black dress is made with lace— an extremely delicate textile to maneuver. But a seasoned designer, lace is associated with brides but Shoyemi makes a strong case with Obsidian that lace can be fun and versatile.

Shoyemi’s vision goes beyond conventional style archetypes; it celebrates the fluidity of self-expression and the stories that every woman carries. As we choose our outfits based on how we feel each day, Noir Opulence reminds us that fashion should resonate with our individual journeys. So what Yemi Shoyemi dress, are you today?