Inclusivity remains a contentious term in the fashion industry. In the twelve years since I began writing about the subject for a living, some would argue that things have taken a positive turn; I do see more representation and diversity across the board than I did in 2011. However, we still have a long, long way to go before everyone is able to see themselves represented in the market. You’d think this responsibility would be taken seriously by the conglomerates; brands with a global presence and a very real ability to spark overnight change with the simple decision to cater to every type of customer. No, I’m not interested in hearing about how doing so would negatively affect profit margins, especially since smaller, independent brands are rising to the occasion.
Today marks the launch of an exciting new collaboration, one Who What Wear UK has been counting down the seconds to ever since we were told about it in hushed tones a few months ago. British outfitter and editor favourite Rixo has launched a capsule collection in collaboration with Abisola Omole, who you may know fondly as @abimarvel, marking its first to range from a size UK 6 to a UK 26, news which will mean so much to so many.
Any fashion girl worth their salt will tell you that Rixo creates some of the best dresses (amongst other garments) in the business, and the Rixo x Abisola Omole edit certainly lives up to this lofty expectation. A multi-hyphenate if there ever was one, Omole helms two businesses (respective lifestyle and drinks brands, with of which she has named Arva), has designed a jewellery collection with Daphine and still finds time to be a content creator and all-round source of style inspiration. The partnership between Rixo and Abisola Omole has been a year-long one, with Omole being committed to the process from the start. The goal? To create a capsule with nuanced, inclusive design decisions that appeal to different design sensibilities.
“I’m so excited to have partnered with Rixo on this special extended sizing collaboration,” she says. “The intention behind the collection is to provide more body types access to cool, playful and chic styles, as they are often overlooked. We wanted to design a collection that felt different to what was currently available in this size range, and I wanted the pieces to feel timeless and easy to wear … I’m proud of what we’ve created. Though I don’t have a favourite piece, as someone whose wardrobe is 50 per cent comprised of knitted dresses, the Abisola Dress feels really special as it fuses my classic style with Rixo’s renowned use of colour.”
“We are so thrilled to work with Abisola on this capsule collection,” continues Orlagh McCloskey, co-founder and design director of Rixo, which initially extended its sizing in some of its styles to a UK 24 last year. “We’ve been passionate about perfecting our fit and extending our sizes for the past two years, and collaborations like this one allow us to keep improving and understanding the needs of different body shapes.”
It’s this willingness to listen and determination to do better that the fashion industry needs so much more of. For now, however, let us bask in the beauty of the Rixo x Abisola Omole collection for a while. True to form, the dresses are visually exceptional while retaining their premium fabrications. There are straps and necklines that are bra-friendly, while design considerations (including but not limited to the concealed elasticated back waist panel found on the Apple skirt and Benedict dress) ensure a second-to-none fit. The colour palette is peppered with fresh tones of lime and lemon, while some brighter tones are grounded with timeless black—a nod to current trends without being flippant with them.
Whether you’re in the market for something special for an occasion or simply want to add a piece to your forever wardrobe, scroll on to see and shop the Rixo x Abisola Omole collection now.
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