Monday, 3 June 2013

COLOR-BLOCKING WITH IRO AND BUBA - OLEKU STYLE!


Iro & Buba is a  common traditional wear amongst the Yoruba ethnic group of Nigeria and while the style can be worn in different ways like the iro (wrapper) going all the way down and the sleeves of the buba (top) reaching for the wrist, my favorite way of wearing it is the Oleku way. Oleku was more popular in the 60s and 70s, the iro used to stop right above the knee while the buba sleeves stopped at the elbow.


Oleku has been revamped by the present day fashionistas and you can even color-block with it. It can be ankara fabric or lace worn over damask or aso-oke. It can even be adire (tye & dye), there is no limit to the variety of local fabrics that can be used. The buba can be vneck, round neck or off-the-shoulder and can even have a sequined or beaded neckline while some opt for an embroidered effect. Finish the effect with some chunky jewelries and super cute shoes and you're good to go to church, wedding and even red carpet appearances. I love the above looks by Ituen Bassey.

I'm thinking of revamping my traditional wedding attire to oleku. Will bring you pics when I do. Meanwhile, get some oleku color-block outfits inspiration below...

   Another Ituen Bassey design (left) and rapper, Sasha P rocking the Oleku look.
Love, love, these oleku aso-ebi. Fantastic idea. You can steal it for your wedding too but don't forget to add your own twist and make it your own. Imagine all the girls in different colors.... color blocking to bad!

4 comments:

  1. O wow!!! Love, Love, Love!!!! Gorgeous combinations..... I don't like sasha's version tho. I think, if u wanna do Oleku right, Accessorize!!!!!! Bangles, Neck pieces, big earrings... (Y)

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  2. I'm definitely getting me some of these. thanks for this useful post.

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  3. Am so loving d 'oleku plus boots'....coooool.

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