- Urbanknit
Just In: Etu Aso-oke Minisnap clutches
The Etu Minisnap Aso-oke clutch was so popular we decide to bring it back. This Aso-oke fabric is a true vintage and I am told it well over 50 years old at the very least. Probably closer to a century! Personally, I think blue is the new black. It still easily complements other colours without being as predictable as black.
In addition to that, I have introduced the Etu and Lace which is a variation of this mini blue clutch purse. This newer version is in a slightly lighter shade of blue (an even rarer type of the Etu fabric). It also incorporates a hint of Guipure lace for that added touch of elegance. I think it would make a great purse for a wedding or for a cocktail party.
A converation started- if you are all dressed up and can’t think of how to make the conversation flow with your fellow party goes, tell them about how your purse is probably over a 100 years old!
What do you think? Is your flavour more stark and simple, or a little more playful with the lace? Lets know your thoughts.
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Just in: Vintage and Gold Aso-oke Clutch
I created the Megasnap clutch to be a huge statement piece. That one accessory that will always be a talking point no matter what you wear. Whether it is to finish off your formal outfit or LBD or to add glamour to a casual ensemble, this is definitely the piece for you.
It is made in a Nigerian fabric known as ‘Aso-oke’ which is a loom woven textile similar in texture and weight to denim or canvas. This particular version is an old-school vintage which is partly woven with lurex which incorporates a glittering metallic gold thread. This version is also quite special as the style is perforated and beyond the visible perforations is a layer of deep aubergine satin fabric. Satin, Aso-oke, Cotton; many layers one clutch!
It is lined internally with a green and black Ankara print cotton fabric for that little bit of extra fun. It has several layers of padding to give it stability and to protect its contents. It is quite spacious and will fit a phone, money, keys, make-up, camera and a lot more. It has a handy strap making it easy to carry and has a small internal pocket.
Check it out here: www.urbanknit.com/shop/vintage-and-gold-aso-oke-megasnap-clutch/
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#urbanknitlovesyou Rita
Yes we really do love our loyal customers. After purchasing the Olympic Bee Bag from our Etsy store, a lovely customer of ours came back with a request for three more Aso-oke totes. This time she wanted 3 different colour combinations and I was very much up for the challenge of finding these Aso-oke strips in these rich colours and seeing how they would work together.
The requirement was for the following:
1. Various shades of blue
2. Orange, burgundy and purple
3. Black, cranberry red and olive green ( we had to substitute the olive for forest green)
The three totes were gifts and the feedback has been great from gift-giver and recipients.
[quote]…. I wanted to personally thank you for the BEAUTIFUL job you did on the 3 custom totes. Each one is beautiful, I trusted you and you did not disappoint me. The blue tote was for my mom, the burgundy/black one for my sis and the orange/burgundy for my niece in college. They love the totes and my mom is out of control, she’s carried hers as a purse! I want to say many thanks for the wonderful work you do on everything in your shop. Take care until next time. [/quote]
Thank you Rita for taking a chance, very happy that they were well received!
- Urbanknit
Pop Cushions- Interior Styling ideas
Why settle for a boring interior. Add pops of primary colours to your living space!! You can do it quite simply by sticking to a few colours. Black and white can act as a base with red and yellow as hints to add the required POP!
Mondrian was certainly onto something.
Starting from the top left in a clockwise direction.
1. Zebra Pop Cusions by Urbanknit- £35
2. Muuto Red Unfold Pendant Light by abchomes- £110
3. Zuo Big Wave Folding Round Table by Blue Fly- £135
4. Inmod Signature Bastille Cafe Stacking Chair by Blue Fly- £125
5. Agnes Vase by Normann Copenhagen– £80
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Spotted In Urbanknit- Ebun
For those who do not know, in Nigeria a wedding usually consists of two main events. One is the traditional wedding (often referred to as the engagement or ‘gage’). The other is the main wedding ceremony which would be in a church or mosque depending on ones religion. For the traditional ceremony both the couple and guests alike come in traditional attire often aso-ebi and it is usually a colourful affair full of food, music and fun!
For her traditional wedding, Ebun wanted a clutch that would go with her Aso-oke outfit. As I love Aso-oke and a creative challenge I was more than happy to oblige. The Aso-oke for her outfit is a modern take on the traditional Alaari. The rest of her outfit was to be gold and the idea was to incorporate this idea into the bag.
She gave me completely free reign and said I could go wild which was just perfect. The only must-haves were that the bag should be large and that it should have a strap so she could hold on to it easily throughout the day. So I made a megasnap clutch and mixed in plain gold Aso-oke and ignored all rules of symmetry!
I was very happy with what we both came up with and even more excited when I saw how it all came together on the day! Even better was when she sent me a message after receiving the bag and SHE LOVED IT! Urbanknit loves you too.
- Urbanknit
Just In: Red, Black and Gold Aso Oke Tommy Tote- African Beach Bag
A couple of years ago we started the A to Z Initiative where we upcycle fabric into new products. The idea is to make use of fabric that is still in good condition in products in the Urbanknit store. We then donate part of the proceeds from the sale of these items to particular charities that are close to our hearts.
For this particular tote, the Aso-oke fabric for the outer fabric as well as the Ankara lining where both donated. Thank you Laitan and Mrs S! The Tommy tote makes a great beach bag and also serves as a great alternative to plastic bags when you go grocery shipping at the supermarket. It also makes a great weekend bag.
The Tommy tote is roomy and comfortable to carry due to the wide straps. It also has 3 large inner pockets to store smaller items for easier retrieval.
You can check out the Red Tommy Tote here: www.urbanknit.com/shop/red-black-tommy-tote/
You can also have a look at other products that are part of the initiative here: The A to Z Initiative Thanks for browsing! Looking forward to those orders!
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Just In: Navy Blue, Turquoise and Beige Aso Oke Cushions
To add to our growing House and Home section, we have a new set of Aso Oke Cushions. These cushions are in an unusual colour palette of Turquoise, Navy Blue and Beige. A close-up look will reveal that the Aso-oke is the perforated style which adds a beautiful touch of the old to the modern take on the traditional fabric.
Pop one on your favourite arm chair or get a pair or two and inject a new bright colour palette into you living space. These work beautifully in pairs as you can play around with the direction of the stripes on each cushion. The line pattern on each side of the pillow differs. One side is symmetrical and the other side isn’t giving you added versatility.
Aso Oke is fairly thick and thus a very durable fabric. Can’t really go wrong! I am not supposed to have favourites but I am afraid I have to confess to absolutely LOVING these. The Aso-oke is a gorgeous texture and the colours work so beautifully together.
Check them out here: www.urbanknit.com/shop/navy-blue-turquoise-aso-oke-cushion/
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Looking for a Beach Bag? Check out Urbanknit Tommy Totes
Yes! Summer has officially arrived and here in London it actually feels like it! It was officially the hottest day of the year yesterday and it was glorious.
- Towel
- Suntan lotion
- Sunglasses
- Flip-flops
- Swimsuit
- Food
- Book to read
- iPod
Answered check! to everything on the list? Now where do you put it all?
We have got the perfect solution in our large and funky Tommy Tote. Its is large and will fit everything you need for a day out at the beach, a picnic in the park or a music festival with friends. Measuring 50 cm across (20inches) and 33cm high (13 inches) this is a super-sized tote. It also has internal pockets so smaller items won’t go astray.
It also works perfect for grocery shopping so you don’t have to use those plastic bags (you know the ones you have no use for once you are home that just live permanently under the kitchen sink).
The Tommy totes are made from a thick woven fabric known as Aso-oke which is similar in texture to denim.
Durable, roomy, funky, eco-friendly, what more could you ask for!
Check out more totes here: https://www.urbanknit.com/product-category/bags/totes/
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Just In: Etu Aso-oke Cushions
Even though I made these myself, I have fallen completely in love with them. Made out of a modern take on Etu Aso-oke, with hints of an Alaari (magenta) and Sanya (beige) stripe.
The dark blue of the cushions makes them versatile and as the line pattern on each side differs, they work beautifully in parts or as a whole set!
- Urbanknit
Happy Independence Day to Ghana
Wishing all our Ghanaian friends and fans a Happy Independence Day!
It so happens that one of our favourite customers has just received her custom order of a Kente Supersnap Clutch. Kente is a gorgeous handwoven cloth from Ghana, similar to Aso-oke. We will definitely be experimenting with more very soon.
Thanks Ivy for a very interesting project.
