folakemi Keola
Fashion styling, illustration &Fashion Research
KEOLA BY FOLAKEMI | MOODBOARD: EMERALD PETAL
Inspired by the richness of emerald green, the softness of blush pink, and the beauty of floral details, this moodboard explores the balance between structure and delicacy in fashion design.
The concept brings together intricate textures, shimmering embellishments, and sculptural floral elements to create a vision of elegance that feels both bold and feminine. The contrast between the fitted silhouette and the softness of the flowers reflects my interest in combining strong structure with expressive details.
For me, fashion is more than appearance. It is a way to communicate ideas, explore creativity, and develop a distinct visual identity.
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Plain or Detailed?
One thing I find interesting about the mermaid gown is how clearly its structure can be understood. You can follow the fitted bodice and waist, see how the gown follows the body, and then watch it open up towards the hem.
But then there’s that open space created by the flare. That’s where I think things get interesting because the designer can really play with it through fabric, embellishments, texture, draping, appliqué, embroidery, or even something completely unexpected.
And honestly, I think that’s what makes the mermaid silhouette so interesting. You can look at it plain and still appreciate the shape, then add all those little details and suddenly it feels completely different.
Either way, the silhouette still works.
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Traditional hand-drawn fashion illustration based on a fashion reference I found online.
For this piece, I focused on translating the reference into a hand-drawn illustration while paying attention to the silhouette, proportions, structure, and details of the outfit.
This work reflects my growing practice in fashion illustration and my interest in studying and interpreting different fashion designs through sketching.
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The study of Edwardian Blouse
I have always admired the structure of the Edwardian blouse. Every detail is unique and beautiful, from its high collars and voluminous sleeves to its soft, billowy silhouette. What fascinates me most is how these elements come together to create a garment that is both delicate and distinctive.
For this project, I explored the history, structure, and defining details of the Edwardian blouse, also known as the shirtwaist, while developing a fashion illustration inspired by its characteristic design.
A Glimpse into the Edwardian Era
The Edwardian era, which lasted from 1901 to 1910, was named after King Edward VII's reign in the United Kingdom.
The blouse was also frequently referred to as a shirtwaist. It became an important part of women's everyday wardrobes, often paired with a tailored skirt. This combination was worn by working women, college students, and homemakers, making the blouse a practical and versatile garment.
The shirtwaist was also closely associated with the Gibson Girl, an idealized feminine figure popular in the early 1900s.
.THE DISTINCTIVE SILHOUETTE.
One of the most recognizable features of the Edwardian blouse is its pouter-pigeon, or pigeon-breasted, shape.
The front of the blouse was loose and billowy, creating a soft, rounded overhang above the waistline. This silhouette worked together with the era's straight-front S-bend corset, which helped shape the fashionable figure of the period.Why the Edwardian Blouse Stands Out to Me
Beyond its historical significance, I admire the Edwardian blouse because of the way it balances volume, proportion, and detail.
The full sleeves, high collar, delicate lace, and rounded front create a silhouette that feels both elegant and expressive. It is a reminder that even a practical everyday garment can become a beautiful piece of fashion history.
WHAT MY MOODBOARD CAPTURED
My moodboard captures different aspects of the Edwardian era beyond the blouse itself. It explores the architecture of the period, the food people enjoyed, and the caps and headwear women wore with their outfits.
These details helped me appreciate the wider world in which the Edwardian blouse existed. They also show how fashion was connected to everyday life, culture, and the visual identity of the era. Through this moodboard, I wanted to bring together the elegance of Edwardian fashion and the surrounding details that made the period unique.
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