ADIRE: NIGERIAN TIMELESS ART OF INDIGO
Adire is more than a fabric it is a living story of creativity, heritage, and resilience. Originating from the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria, the word Adire means “tie and dye,” a reference to the intricate resist-dyeing techniques used to create its striking indigo patterns. Traditionally, women crafted Adire by tying, stitching, or painting designs on cotton cloth before immersing it in natural indigo dye. Each pattern carried a name and a message: some conveyed proverbs, others marked important events or expressed wishes for prosperity and protection. Over the years, Adire has traveled far beyond the local markets of Abeokuta and Ibadan. Designers across Africa and the world now adapt these motifs into contemporary fashion—transforming the fabric into tailored suits, flowing gowns, and everyday streetwear. From runways to casual wardrobes, Adire remains a symbol of cultural pride and sustainable craftsmanship.Wearing Adire today celebrates tradition while embracing mode...