By Sarah Okhiade
One notable and intriguing aspect of the asookefabricis its style relevance for several decades. It has evolved from different fashion eras in production and functionality.The term AsoOke is not a farfetched one to a typical fashion inclined Nigerian. It is a fabric that originates from the western parts of Nigeria whose name stems from the Yoruba dialectand literarilymeans ‘Top cloth’ or ‘Top Fabric’. True to its meaning,over the years asooke has stood in a prestigious spacein the Nigerian fashion sphere. Earlier worn by only Yoruba royals and elites, it is presently accessible to anyone who wishes to have it. Although it is synonymously worn by Yorubason special occasions, AsoOke as of this day cuts across the different ethnicities in Nigeria as more people are being enticed by the ever rising elegance of the coveted fabric.
AsoOke in the 60s-70s
Production: The fabric in the era was produced predominantly from pure cotton and had a heavy feel to it due its huge volume. The only embellishment to it was the dye used on it. Hues were in its rawest form and mostly in dual colours.
Functionality: Worn fully or combined with other fabrics, as mini buba and iro (traditional blouse and wrapper), pele (shawl), gele (head gear), fila (Cap for men) and agbada (gown for men).
AsoOke in the 80s- 90s
Production: This era saw modifications to the fabric as shiny threads and fringes were infused into spinning and designing the fabric. Hues in this era were creatively experimented, giving a vast array of colour combination.
Functionality: Combined with other fabrics as full length buba and iro (traditional blouse and wrapper), pele (shawl), gele (head gear), fila (Cap for men) and agbada (gown for men).
The MillenialAsoOke
Production: After a stint of about one decade and half in the demand and production of AsoOke , just when it was as if the fabric was fully out of vogue and damask head gear was in full demand , AsoOke made a big comeback into the Nigerian fashion industry with a plethora of creative designs and functions.
The Multi coloured AsoOke: This is one innovation that has complete freedom in the use of colours and reeks of African elegance.
The Mono Chrome AsoOke: The simplicity of this AsoOke , is its beauty.
Beaded and bling AsoOke: Thanks to the likes of popular fabric beadier AbimbolaIpaye and her inventive beading on AsoOke, the creative sophistication of this asooke has made demand for it very high, even to beyond the shores of Nigeria.
Laser Cut AsoOke: Made popular by DeolaSagoe and her ‘Komole’ collections that has graced the runways of international fashion shows
Functionality
The millennial asooke is not in any way limited to bubas ,iros and agbada. Its creative bar keeps rising ,this is evident in fashion items like ; Jumpsuits, dinner gowns , shoes , bags etc. all made from asooke and worn with élan.
