For centuries, Yoruba fashion has captured the attention of onlookers with its vivid display of colour, culture, and creativity.

The figures on the far left of the mural show a Yoruba couple adorned in traditional regalia – the gele (headwrap), cap, embroidery, and the ileke (coral beads) – all representing prestige, royalty, and wealth. The traditional Yoruba women’s dress is known as the iro and buba. It is a loose-fitting blouse (buba) worn with a flowing wrapper (iro). Men maintain a royal look by dressing in the flowing agbada, a garment that exudes strength and status. It is usually combined with the fila (cap) as an accessory.

Next, we encounter a dazzling display of Yoruba fabrics. The Aso-oke, exclusively woven by men, although in some parts of Yoruba land, woven by women, embodies prestige. The Aso-oke is worn by both Men and women and can be used for different stylish looks. It is usually worn during weddings, festivals or royal celebrations.

In contrast, the Adire Eleko (indigo-dyed cotton cloths decorated using a resist-dying technique to create striking patterns in blue and white), traditionally made and worn by women, tells stories through its patterns and highlights one’s uniqueness.

On the mural we also showcase Ankara prints, which are striking geometric patterns and symbolic themes that draw attention wherever they appear.

The Yoruba attire is often worn with elegant bead accessories that makes the entire outfit pop!