Behind The Piece with I.AM.ISIGO
Image of Itsekiri people of Warri / Photo Courtesy of @iamisigo
LAGOS, Nigeria - The final leg of the Heineken Lagos Fashion & Design Week Fashion Focus series wrapped earlier this week to much success in the lead-up to the actual presentations later on this fall. While the session "From Passion to Profit" was not recorded for online consumption, still images later released featuring Lagos speakers Nkechi Eze, Tsemaye Binite, and Eku Edewor were enlightening in yet another way. In particular, entertainment personality Eku Edewor's ensemble, which consisted of a red and white striped denim shirt dress and shorts from Nigerian label I.AM.ISIGO. Instagram-worthy from every angle, the piece with its playful striping and joyous silhouette was infused with tremendous meaning designed by creative director Bubu Ogisi.
In Bubu Ogisi's words,
Eku Edewor in I.AM.ISIGO / Photo Courtesy of @ekuedewor
"[The piece] is inspired by the Itsekiri people of Warri, Nigeria and their famous tribal dance - Omoko. Known for their cultural links and impressive trade, the Itsekiri people have used their experiences to create a niche for themselves in their traditions, which include food, dancing, dressing, and customs that have made them unique amongst any other tribe. The Omoko dance is one of the many unique elements of the Itsekiri tribe that stands out not only because of the dance technique of wriggling the waist, but also for its costume. With the use of several wrappers and several headscarves, an Omoko dancer can not be missed in a crowd...the wrapper is the main foundation of the costume, the scarves are then tied in layers and bells are tied to the waist to create the necessary effects. The complexity and immediate beauty of the layered Omoko costume is analogous with the dense complexity and instant attractiveness of an active human being. We may be complex in nature, but when all parts of ourselves are embraced - the colors that we put into the world are undeniably attractive."
With brands for which #MadeInNigeria is a reality, taking a look at the historical inspiration is as paramount as the manufacturing behind these collections. I.AM.ISIGO shared a peek into the making of this glorious ensemble.
