Nigerian designer, ‘Alaine by Celine’ reinvents ‘Iro and Buba’

Celine Ifedayo, Creative Director, Ready-To-Wear brand Alainé by Celine, has reinvented the traditional Nigerian women’s classic wear, ‘Iro, and Buba’ in her new collection, ‘Virgo’.

Our correspondent reports that the collection focuses on faux wrapper – skirts and dresses sewn to give the illusion of an iro, without the hassle of tying a traditional one, worn with exquisite blouses.

This fusion of Western and Nigerian styles features a mix of Ankara, crêpe, organza and striped shirts which completely rejuvenates the ageless traditional attire.

Ifedayo in an interview with our correspondent said she recognised the fact that most young women find it difficult to tie the wrapper properly.

According to her, “The iro and buba is classic and also can be described as one of the most comfortable pieces worn by Nigerian women.

“The faux wrapper gives you the same look you can achieve with the iro but it can be worn as a skirt and makes it simple to wear so you do not have to go through the struggle tying the wrapper.”

Ifedayo said she was inspired by the body shapes of Nigerian women who are not naturally skinny to create a collection that fits these body types.

Our correspondent reports that the brand seeks to provide women with pieces for every mood: from simple and elegant, to sexy and fierce and everything that embodies ‘the Alainé woman’.

The brand also channelled its passion for the richness of fabrics into creating a collection that cuts across international fabric divides with the use of indigenous Ankara and foreign fabrics.

The Lagos based designer who quit her medical job to focus on fashion described her journey as smooth and fulfilling `as the Nigerian fashion hub is a thriving market.’