Innovation in Nigerian Adire Batik Textiles

Ifeoma, the visionary behind Mbili Fashion in Lagos, Nigeria, combines modern design with traditional craftsmanship, bridging the digital and textile worlds. The intricate process begins with digital designs, shared with skilled textile artists who contribute to the fabric-making process. The creation of each fabric, through batik wax resist dyeing known as adire, spans ten days to three weeks, ensuring meticulous hand-drawn details, color saturation, air-drying, and revisions. Ifeoma has created many jobs in her surrounding communities, often through internships for female undergraduate students to gain job experience.

Mbili Fashion’s commitment to preserving the cultural significance of the adire is evident in the innovative patterns and systems that Ifeoma designs. These cultural motifs impart a timeless and authentic feel to the fabrics, connecting wearers with the rich heritage of adire.

Beyond aesthetics, Mbili Fashion is a catalyst for positive change. Ifeoma actively supports local artists, providing them with profitable projects and generating employment in their communities. The brand’s success in reaching a global audience not only promotes culturally relevant clothing but also empowers artisans, making every Mbili Fashion purchase a contribution to the sustainability of traditional crafts and the livelihood of the artists involved.