Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele was recently seen wearing a structured pencil skirt made from handwoven Aso Oke fabric. The piece, designed by Nigerian label EmmyKasbit, showcases the evolving role of indigenous textiles in contemporary formal wear. The look is notable not because of its celebrity endorsement but because of what it reflects: a shift toward integrating heritage fabrics into everyday silhouettes without altering their core identity.
The Skirt: Cut, Fabric, & Construction
The skirt in question is a fitted, high-waisted pencil skirt silhouette that ends slightly below the knee. It is made from Aso Oke, a handloom-woven fabric traditionally worn by the Yoruba people of Nigeria. The fabric used here features a navy base with symmetrical light blue and mustard embroidery arranged in vertical geometric patterns.
One of the defining design elements is the fringe hem, which gives a modest sense of movement and texture. The overall structure of the skirt is clean and deliberate, allowing the textile to serve as the focus without introducing overly stylised elements.
Designer Profile: Emmykasbit
In this instance, the label preserves the integrity of the Aso Oke fabric while adopting a silhouette that complements modern workwear and occasion wear. The Emmykasbit approach prioritises clarity in structure, minimalism in design, and textile-led storytelling, positioning the brand within Nigeria’s emerging class of designers redefining traditional wear for modern usage.
Read Also: ASO-OKE: Craftsmanship and Culture in Yoruba Weaving
Styling and Overall Presentation
Funke Akindele styled the skirt with a long-sleeved striped shirt, loosely tied at the waist. Accessories were minimal. Footwear was a classic pair of pointed black heels. Hair and makeup were kept simple. The look was not designed to command attention through volume or contrast but through balance and composure.
The decision to pair the skirt with a tailored shirt rather than a blouse or traditional top further reinforces the skirt’s practicality as a versatile garment. It serves as both a nod to cultural heritage and a functional part of a contemporary wardrobe.
Context: Aso Oke in Contemporary Fashion
Aso Oke remains a textile closely linked with Yoruba ceremonies, weddings, chieftaincy titles, and religious events. However, in the last five years, Nigerian designers have increasingly worked with Aso Oke outside its ceremonial context.
Key to this shift is the movement toward simplified tailoring and muted colour schemes. Pieces like this pencil skirt are examples of how Aso Oke can be applied without falling into costume design or nostalgia. The cultural weight of the fabric is preserved, but the cut and presentation bring it into regular circulation.
Read Also: Aso-Oke and Gele Styles: Essential Accessories for Nigerian Weddings
Industry Significance
Funke Akindele’s appearance in this Emmykasbit design is not significant solely due to her profile, but because it signals the continued acceptance of locally produced textiles in commercial and professional spaces. More importantly, the look does not rely on cultural symbolism or statement pieces to make an impact. It focuses instead on functionality, construction, and quiet detail.
In a fashion market often saturated with over-designed garments, this skirt demonstrates restraint. It highlights how indigenous fabrics can occupy the same space as Western workwear staples when adapted with precision and intent.
Application and Practical Considerations
Usage:
The skirt is appropriate for formal and semi-formal settings. Depending on styling, it may also work as workwear, particularly in creative and public-facing industries.
Sourcing:
Custom orders may be placed through Emmykasbit’s showroom or via the brand’s verified digital platforms. While Aso Oke fabric is widely available across southwestern Nigeria, sourcing a tailored piece with this level of construction typically requires working with a designer familiar with structural tailoring.
Conclusion
This appearance by Funke Akindele in a pencil Aso Oke skirt by EmmyKasbit is a reflection of the evolving space Nigerian fabrics now occupy. The design is minimal, considered, and rooted in both tradition and present-day utility. It is a quiet but practical example of how Nigerian fashion continues to merge cultural relevance with professional design standards without sacrificing either.
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FAQs
1. Who designed Funke Akindele’s Aso Oke skirt?
The skirt was designed by EmmyKasbit, a Lagos-based fashion brand renowned for its collaborations with Nigerian indigenous textiles.
2. What is the cut and style of the Aso Oke skirt worn by Funke Akindele?
It is a pencil-cut, high-waisted skirt with fringe at the hem, made from navy Aso Oke with embroidered detailing.
3. Is Aso Oke suitable for corporate or formal dressing?
Yes. When tailored in modern cuts, such as pencil skirts, Aso Oke can serve as formal or semi-formal attire.
4. How should Aso Oke garments be maintained?
Dry cleaning is recommended. Alternatively, hand wash with cold water and air-dry flat to protect the fabric structure.
5. Where can I purchase an Aso Oke skirt similar to the one Funke Akindele wore?
Similar pieces can be ordered directly from Emmykasbit or commissioned through fashion houses specialising in Nigerian textiles.