Call it recycling, call it revolution, one thing we
are sure of is fashion style never dies, okay; we could say the style faded or
let us say we outgrew them.
We will be taking a walk down memory lane with the
Iro and Buba, that is the traditional Yoruba women attire, though it is not
known to the Yoruba alone anymore as other African tribes have embraced this
fashion style.
Growing up, we saw our mothers look good in
this style, that is the round cut neck, oversized hand, straight cut wrapper,
same style for everyone, no matter your fabric or the price of your fabric.
Sometimes when we see them in these outfits, we know
it is time for a special occasion, it has also evolved from being just the
attire of the celebrant to the guests who have become more fashion demanding
hence designers have been interpreting this once “simple style " in many more
designs other than Simple .
Here are a few of these designers and their idea of
today’s Iro and Buba.
Komole by Deola Sagoe
Komole is the name of Deola’s
iro and buba and this has been a favourite of most elite brides on their
special day. The style is made from her signature silk aso oke fabric
intricately designed with laser cut outs. The entire traditional 2 piece outfit
creates silhouettes that flatter any figure or body of its wearer.
Alaine by Celine
She put a new spin on the
traditional Nigerian womenswear classic, the iro, and buba. By making faux
wrapper: skirts and dresses sewn to give the illusion of an iro, without the
trouble of tying a traditional one. The stripes did get our attention. Who knew?
TURFAH
Turfah’s iro and buba is the latest sensation on
the block. They come in volume enhanced blouse styles – bows, ruffles and a
generous amount of fabric along the iro over the smart looking wrapper (buba),
though it is mostly in rich tone colors of silk fabric
Odio Mimonat
There is never anything usual with
this designer . She is like the gift that keeps on giving . She has her designs stenciled; you don’t see
a stenciled aso-oke often. By the way, it is called the Aadun series.
Omoge Creation
With the infusion frill in their
designs, Omoge creation has stamped it on mark
on the iro and buba style.
Funke Adepoju
Anywhere you see the Iro and Buba
with the fringe ends, you know it has the FA stamp on it . Her extension of the
wrapper by embellishing with fringe details gives it a sexy vibe . Think Great
Gatsby meets African Traditional vibe .
Ituen Basi
With 2 latest designs named - Nkoyo
collection which is the laser cut Ankara design and the Lape & Salewa
collection which is made with sequins. Ituen Basi has always kept her interpretations
quite interesting as she started out by reviving the age long Oleku trend in
the most colorful way in Ankara, denim and leather.
written by
lawal dolapo
