Ese Azenabor Fall 2015

How does a designer that heretofore does not have a presence on the New York City fashion scene—one of the biggest fashion markets globally—get a presence on one of the most oversaturated international fashion markets? It is a daunting task, and though some have been able to make inroads on this difficult terrain, most have a brief flash of glory and then fade into obscurity. Century 21 is stocked full of designers that used to have a New York Fashion presence, but are now sold at this multi-designer megastore.

Hopefully, Nigerian-born Ese Azenabor with her fall 2015 collection can change all that and make her presence known more than for one brief moment. For inspiration Azenabor looked to King Henry VIII and his kingly splendor for her fall 2015 collection.

This ornate collection, at times, looked a bit overdone and over embellished for mass-market appeal. However, at closer examination, Azenabor’s oeuvre is for that spirited female consumer who wants glamorous distinction at a price that is somewhat affordable. Though this might seem like a niche market, in actuality this point of view can attract lots of mid-level consumers who want something more than the milquetoast selection of clothes currently seen on the racks in many retail stores, but don’t quite have the deep pockets for Valentino, Gucci, and Versace.

There were several items in this heavily beaded and embellished collection that could be quite appealing to that female consumer who is looking for that statement item for an exciting night on the town. Standout garments that fit that market are Azenabor’s “Catherin of Aragon” beaded silk-embossed brocade black knee-length dress, “Nemesis White” embellished cape wide leg white crepe jumpsuit, “Taboo” one shoulder embellished velvet jumpsuit, and “Rariva” beaded black crepe wide-legged jumpsuit.

—William S. Gooch