Marrakech, Morocco — Introducing our one-of-a-kind Aso-Oke Kimono Jacket collection handmade at our Marrakech atelier. Shop the collection below and read on to learn a brief history of Aso-Oke in West Africa and why this is a high status, luxury fabric.
Shop Res Ipsa Aso-Oke Kimono Jacket Collection
Brief History of Aso-Oke
Introduced in the 15th century to Yorubaland, a cultural region and homeland to the Yoruba people in West Africa -- spanning Nigeria, Togo, and Benin. Aso-Oke, pronounced "ah-SHAW-okay", is a hand-woven cloth created by the Yoruba people. The "top cloth" fabric is prestigious and traditionally worn by men and women:
Aso-Oke, which means 'cloth from the hinterland', is made from cotton. Seed extraction is indigenously done by hand and is a hand-process from start-to-finish completed at different stages by women, children, and men. After a demanding manual process of harvesting (planting, weeding, and thinning) the cotton seeds, they are then hand-pressed, spun, sorted, and pulled, and then the threads are handwoven together on various horizontal (by men) and vertical looms (by women). In a highly calculated process, the weaver pre-determines the patterns and colors with the final creation in mind. Each Aso-Oke is a one-of-a-kind creation.
Garments made from Aso-Oke fabric are traditionally worn for special occasions, including weddings, funerals, and holidays, befitting to Aso-Oke's English translation: "Top Cloth"; denoting the cloth of high status. While Aso-Oke has evolved to fit contemporary and modern fashion, its intricate process and quality finish is timeless and still deeply rooted in Yoruba tradition.
Res Ipsa & Aso-Oke
Shop Aso-Oke Kimono Jacket Collection
Our Aso-Oke Kimono Jacket design pays tribute to both West African & Japanese culture. Each Aso-Oke kimono is one-of-a-kind and handmade at our Marrakech atelier.
Shop Aso-Oke Kimono Jacket Collection
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