By Rita Okoye

Brace yourself and be ready to be inspired by Opeyemi’s Àṣà Tuntun – New Culture 2024 collection, as she showcases a variety of outfits.

The creative director has doggedly taken a leap of faith to make a positive impact with her label. We have lost count of fashion designers who started their journey into the industry and along the line gave up due to certain challenges they could not overcome; however, Opeyemi chose to keep the fashion flag flying.

She chose to experience the sheer joy of leaving an indelible mark in the lives of women in Africa, making styles that they want. She works day and night ensuring that designs are expertly made.

Bear this in mind: Your clothes can say so much about you to the world. For instance, sewing a garment with Aso-oke fabrics in the Yoruba culture gives you the respect you deserve.
But here’s the thing with promising and top fashion geniuses. They see creativity as a privilege and express themselves in a whole new dimension. They see creativity as a ladder to greater heights. In other words, we can say that being a badass fashion designer requires your entire focus, in terms of gender identity, craft, representation, community, sustainability, and making thrilling and audacious clothes with quality fabrics.

Becoming a designer in 2024 is not a bed of roses, you must take along with you everything you should be and do all you can to make it work, and that includes, passion, your time, and consistent practice. From haute couture, and street fashion to traditional designs, all designers have their unique style to create the best attires.

While there is a general designing process, there are also steps that sound so unique to your brand, from the conceptualisation stage to the completion stage. Opeyemi has a unique style, which is why she has designed this remarkable attire that is not only beautiful and extraordinary but also long-lasting.

In the world of fashion, some ethics make creatives to be intentional about how they impact their environment positively without reducing their taste for quality. Ethical Fashion as it is called is a garment design, production, and distribution that focuses on reducing harm to people and the planet. Upholding this movement brings to attention the issues in mainstream fashion production. Essentially, there is a lot more to clothes than we see in the finished product and conscious consumers think beyond the short term when buying clothes.

Fashionistas see the Beth&Beth collection and are wowed by the showstopper garments crafted by Opeyemi and her team. Most often, individuals think Aso-oke fabrics are meant for headgear alone. But this collection lets the cat out of the bag so easily, letting us know Aso-oke is not limited to just head gears. It transcends to crafting fashionable gowns and clothing that fits any body size, and shape. How an ancient fabric found its modern groove is worth applauding.

Imagine gracing the aisle with a fabulous look that drips elegance. How would the experience make you feel? Special, right? Aso oke is a textile fabric that emanates from the Yoruba culture and has transcended into the runway of global fashion. Let’s face it, the fabric is glamorous and welcomes diversity. Initially, the material was known to be worn just at wedding celebrations, naming ceremonies, and festivals, but not anymore. It has metamorphosed to be a mix of both traditional and modern.

Here’s where it gets more interesting: The beauty of Aso-oke doesn’t lie in the yarn and the loom; but it is a skill the long-aged artisans passed through generations. So, when modern weavers partner with traditional artisans, the result is usually mind-blowing, and as such create something spectacular. Nevertheless, if you thought Aso-oke was just a mere outfit that was hidden and never recognised, think again. The world of Aso-oke has fully woken up to its reality of being alluring and mesmerising.
No wonder everyone wants the Aso-oke seated prettily in their wardrobe. They want to have a variety of this material spread across their clothing collection. Because there is nothing that makes a woman happy more than the perfect blend of rich cultural narrative and drop-dead gorgeous designs.
Understand that Aso-oke is not just a fleeting fad; it is a blend of identity and history, and it gives a sense of high fashion. Wearing it means that you celebrate the brilliance of cultural diversity showcasing the unlimited creative potential of artists in Nigeria. And Opeyemi Salami has proven over time to be creative in her designs, incorporating both traditional and modern styles so it resonates with every fashionista. This is why the brand is passionate about body positivity and inclusivity, ensuring that women of every size and shape are celebrated and catered for.

Take a look at this fabric, it features multiple colours and patterns mostly stripes. While there are a variety of Aso oke with their names, which the Yoruba call Sányán. It is a symbol of elegance, royalty, and cultural heritage. Sányán Aso oke is made from dyed Adire with a combination of vibrant colours with unique stripes and patterns, woven from the beige silk derived from caterpillar cocoons, symbolising simplicity, and elegance. The beauty of this fabric comes out when there are groups of people wearing a style of the Aso oke, either for an aso-ebi or any celebration or event.

This is a style that projects what is being referred to as the rich aunty vibes. It is breathtaking, head-turning, and stunning. The classic V-neck frames the face, accentuating the beauty of the wearer. As you can see, it is moderate, but its moderation does not take away the class. We understand the fact that due to modern change; some young individuals would want to sew a fitted style with the material, making it reveal their figure.
However, if you want to look mature and gather respect from admirers, then this stylish and large gown is your best bet. The sleeve is a short sleeve that doesn’t cling tightly to the body but gives space for comfort. It’s okay to have your style or choice, it is better to consider what suits you or perhaps the event you’re looking forward to attending.
That way, you’ll make the right decision as regards what style to opt for when you use the Aso oke fabric. For the length, the outfit almost sweeps the floor, ensuring the gown flows like royalty. The cut at the lower part of the gown, with the little slit, makes it more unique, completing this masterpiece.

The overall impression of this cloth is royalty, exudes confidence, poise, and cultural pride. The matching headgear is one not new to many individuals. While using Aso oke to sew a modern gown rather than the usual tying of wrapper might be a new trend to some people, Aso oke for headgear is a common practice. The colour isn’t the same as the gown’s fabric, but they are a perfect blend.
This style can be worn to casual events like fashion shows and formal gatherings. To complement the breathtaking Aso oke gown, a bold, gold or silver necklace will command attention. Pair with beaded earrings and necklace, adding depth to your overall outlook. High-heeled gold or silver shoes will elevate your appearance. For anyone seeking a respectful and elegant outfit, the Aso oke Big Aunty Vibes Gown is the ultimate choice.

This is another exceptional style crafted using the Aso oke fabric. This outfit combines a sophisticated blend of deep navy and vibrant orange stripes, highlighting the juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary styles. The outfit incorporates the traditional beautifully tied gele that adds an element of sophistication and cultural pride. One thing you should know about the cloth is that it is a symbol of respect and grace, reinterpreted here with a modern edge to appeal to fashion-forward individuals who want to celebrate their roots while staying stylish.
The garments feature flowing silhouettes that provide comfort while enhancing the wearer’s grace, embodying both elegance and ease. This could be mistaken to be an agbada, but it isn’t. It is crafted to be like a jacket, adding a modern twist to it. This attire isn’t meant to be worn without a supporting English outfit inside, because it is not a complete dress. A black trouser or a black shirt/camisole can fit this Aso oke material. If you choose to consider the colour of the headgear you’re putting on, you could equally match your outlook with a corresponding colour.

Pair this attire with a heeled shoe, one you’re comfortable with. Either black, orange, or navy blue will suit your look. Wear beaded accessories such as a necklace and earrings.
While this is really gorgeous, it would be much better if it had more styling options.
Conclusively, Opeyemi Salami is a creative designer who has evolved with her outstanding designs. The 2024 collection is dope and deserves to be seen not only locally but also spread across the international market. Again, your clothes can say so much about you so pay attention to your wardrobe choices, and in a few months and years from now, you will be glad you did.