- Urbanknit
Adire Patterns: Story Telling Through Adire
We are huge fans of batik fabric, in particular Adire which is the type of tie dye fabric popular among the Yoruba people of Southern Nigeria. If you have a look at our products made with Adire, you get a sense of various patterns that are repeated across the fabric. Each of these patterns have very specific meanings.
Although I knew what some of these symbols represented, I have always wanted a catalogue of sorts, where they were all explained. I was extremely excited to learn of the new book Storytelling Through Adire: An Introduction to Adire Making and Pattern Meanings
by Allyson Aina Davies which I purchased immediately.The book details very beautifully with illustrations what each of these patterns and symbols mean, each with a name and story. The stories are often words of advice from the elders, or a means of documenting social, economic and environmental conditions. With symbols such as Adé- Crown, Eegun-eja- fish bone, Ewé ẹ̀gẹ́- Cassava leaf and many more.
A photo posted by Adire Patterns (@adirepatterns) on
With the collection of symbols on each piece of cloth, we start to see a story unfolding in this unique cross between art and functionality. If you are interested in African fabric design and in particular Adire patterns, I would definitely recommend this book. It is a great resource. I love the fact that each piece we make out of Adire gives you a small piece of a much larger story. A little portion of Yoruba history and wisdom!
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please check out Adire Patterns website for more information: www.adirepatterns.com
Adire Patterns Twitter handle: @AdirePatterns
WHERE TO BUY THE BOOK:
The book is available in the following places.
- ONLINE on Amazon
- STRANGER: 3 Hakeem Dickson, Lekki Phase One, Lagos, Nigeria
- QUINTESSENCE: Park View Estate Entrance, Off Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria
- Urbanknit
Funky Brown African Batik Blazer
Have you checked out our range of funky print and batik blazers? Well even if you haven’t here is one to have a look at. This one is the Brown Batik Blazer and the idea behind this wardrobe essential is simple. They come in a simple yet flattering cut and can be worn in a number of ways making them quite versatile.
STYLE TIPS:
The simple slightly loose fit is perfect if you are looking for the right African print jacket to add to your wardrobe. The blazer has 3/4 length sleeves and is also cropped in style. You can team with a pair of boots with a skirt and layer up during the cooler autumn/fall months. You could also rock your blazer with some skinny jeans and heels for a semi-formal look for a date or lunch out with the girls. Just a few options! That’s the beauty of it, you create you own look.
THE FABRIC:
The gorgeous fabric is a handmade, hand-dyed fabric from southern Nigeria. The designs are painstakingly drawn by hand and dyed in various steps to achieve the layers of colour and pattern. It comes in a mix of browns, burnt orange and even hints of olive green. Due to the organic nature of the fabric, no two jackets are exactly the same which I think is an added bonus. Your blazer will be truly unique to you!
BUY IT HERE:
The blazer is available here: www.urbanknit.com/shop/brown-batik-blazer in the following sizes:
UK 8/US 4/EUR 36
UK 10/US 6/EUR 38
UK 12/US 8//EUR 40
UK 14/US 10/EUR 42So how would you style yours? Are you a converse and skirt kind of girl or a heels and skinny jeans glam chic?
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