Documenting changing fashion in Africa post-1960
This outfit was made by Joma Wellings-Longmore, who wore it as a guest to a wedding in the 1990s. The look included a pink mesh headwrap which matches the skirt (collected but not pictured). Joma spoke to collecting panel member Edith Ojo about the inspirations behind the outfit. Edith explains: ‘It is a bold statement Read More …
This aso-oke fila was worn by Shola Bello, a British Nigerian man, at his wedding. Aso-oke translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’ and was traditionally narrow strip-woven by men. It is a popular choice for special occasion outfits for Yoruba people in Nigeria and in the UK. While some groom’s outfits are entirely Read More …
This Yoruba groom’s outfit was worn by Shola Bello at his wedding. He wore white to match with his bride, Titi, whose outfit was also collected by the Museum. This intricately woven fabric was bought and made in Lagos, Nigeria, where it is known locally as Guinea Brocade. It was made by a tailor who Read More …
These white kitten heel shoes by Karen Millen were worn by Titi Bello at her wedding in 2004. The strappy style and glamourous embellishments complemented Titi’s African lace bridal outfit, which the museum also collected as part of the Fashioning Africa project. Creator: Karen Millen Date: 2000s
This African lace outfit was worn by Titi Bello, a British Nigerian bride. So called African lace is an embroidered fabric that originates from Austria and is popular across West Africa. Titi explained why she chose this look for her wedding (as told to Collecting Panel member Edith Ojo): ‘The fabric was bought in Austria Read More …
This fila was worn by Martin Sholagbade in his role as the Father of the Bride to a wedding. A fila is a Yoruba man’s cloth cap, worn with a matching agbada (large robe), and sokoto (trousers.Aso-oke translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’. It is a formal cloth that is traditionally handwoven by Read More …
This man’s aso-oke agbada was worn by Martin Sholagbade in his role as the Father of the Bride at a wedding in 2009. It is an example of sanyan, a classic style of aso-oke, typically worn by celebrants and close family at weddings. Aso-oke translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’. It is a Read More …
This aso-oke agbada (robe), and sokoto (trousers) are part of an outfit that was commissioned for the owner, Dotun, to wear at his London wedding reception in 1995. Dotun and his wife Funmi held four wedding events in total, two took place in the UK and two in Nigeria. The Museum collected several of their Read More …
This aso-oke gele is an elaborate Yoruba headwrap, part of an outfit that was commissioned by the owner Funmi for her London wedding reception in 1995. The couple had four events in total, two took place in the UK and two in Nigeria. Aso-oke, which translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’ is a Read More …
This two piece outfit was commissioned by the owner, Dotun, for his wedding ceremony in 1995. It is made of a synthetic fabric called African lace (actually industrially produced embroidery originally imported from Austria) that is very popular in Nigeria and West Africa. African lace can be worn as an outfit or teamed with aso-oke Read More …