Our African luxury brands are utilising and reclaiming ancient methods - like Aso Oke and Hand Dyeing - to create a more sustainable future.
Aso Oke
Brands such as Olubiyi Thomas, that is inspired by, and Abiola Olusola that makes use of Aso Oke fabrics in their designs.
Aso oke It is a hand woven cloth made mostly by the Yoruba tribe of south west Nigeria cloth created in Nigeria from the 1500s, mostly made by the Yoruba tribe of south west Nigeria. The technique involves several steps, including preparing the yarn, which in most cases is made from dyed cotton or silk, setting the loom, and then weaving the fabric.
The cotton used in making Aso-oke is hand made into thread which can be combined with other materials in the production. We should also note Kente Gentlemen’s use of traditional Kente cloth in the production of their striking pieces.
Hand Dyeing (Adire)
Abiola Olusola discussed, during our private event in May 24, the use of hand-dyeing techniques in the production of her collection. Nigeria’s oldest industrial city, Kano, home to the famed Kofar Mata dye pits, is where traditional indigo dyeing takes place. A process of saturating the fabric with dye and burnishing them in pits, has been practiced from 1498 to date.
These sustainable methods not only allow for interesting and exciting designs but also can transform the contemporary fashion industry. Investing in these brands is investing in a more sustainable fashion future.
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