Nigerian design collective, Ile Moremi will be showcasing a tie-dye textile, Adire, in their signature jumpsuits and basketweave jackets. The collection will be displayed at the Africa Fashion Week London 2020 this August.
The Ile Moremi Collection is inspired by Moremi Ajasoro who pledged a sacrifice in order to save her people from slavery. These unique jumpsuit pieces are made in Nigeria using indigenous Adire from Ogun state.
In order to tackle modern-day slavery, customers who buy a piece from this collection will have the profits from the sale go towards their Moremi Awareness Campaign Against Modern Slavery and Trafficking of Young Women.
This campaign creates some well-needed awareness regarding slavery in a new technological era and the program is used to assist these women to integrate them back into society through funding towards an education and start-up funds.
The Adire fabric textile is made used by using four techniques in the designing and dying of fabrics. These are:
PLEATING
This is a technique in Adire that involves the folding of fabrics by doubling the fabric back upon itself and securing it in folds as to have the fabrics lined up in layers. At this point, the fabric can then be gathered or arranged into a narrower form. In doing this, there is always the desired pattern before folding. After folding, twine, rope or raffia is used to tie the fabric in ways to protect it from the dye.
MARBLING
Also known as Crack or Jacquard, this is a technique that crumples the fabric. This method helps in preventing the effect of dyes. No rope is needed to tie the fabrics. The dye is applied in a sieve or a cup.
KNOTTING (ELESO/ONIKO)
It is a process that involves using raffia or ropes to tie several parts of the fabrics to produce various sized circles.
PAINTING
This is another of creating splashes of colour after the Adire process to ensure the brightness of the pattern.
At Africa Fashion Week London 2020, You can expect to see revolutionary catwalk shows, shopping, celebrities, African food, and inspiring forums. This week will run from the 6th of August 2020 to the 8th of August 2020.
2020 will also see the launch of their Graduate Fashion & Design day. Universities and Colleges will be invited to register their students of fashion, hair & beauty, architecture, art, photography, and, journalism to take part in the student catwalk and exhibition day.
Africa Fashion Week London 2020 will take place at Freemasons' Hall in London. If you’re interested in seeing the Ile Moremi collection at this event, you can find out more on Africa Fashion Week London 2020’s official website.