Paper short abstract:

This study aims to re-configure Aso-oke fabric of south-west, Nigeria as a global dress culture by examining how globalisation has positively influenced its application to showcase gender dynamics, aesthetic sensibilities, fashion trend and cultural values of the Nigerian people to the world

Paper long abstract:

Over the years, the African continent has witnessed diverse creative and innovative indigenous textile designs that reflected the visual symbolism of their cultural values, fashion taste, social engagements amongst others. A typical example of this African indigenous fabric is “ Aso-Oke,” a hand woven fabric of the Yoruba people of south-western, Nigeria. From historical narratives, Aso-Oke is known as a prestigious fabric traditionally worn by the rich and powerful in that society to depict their affluence and social class. Apart from that, their designs also show case gender identities, visual aesthetics and cultural affinities during major ceremonies such as weddings, naming ceremonies and important religious festivals. However recent studies on global dress culture in the 21st century, have revealed that globalization and modernity have tremendously influenced the perception of Yoruba people about Aso oke, leading to a paradigm shift in fashion trend, global visibility and acceptability. In the light of the aforementioned realities, Aso-Oke is now in the spotlight of global fashion on social media and has become a very popular dress culture worn by celebrities and actors in music, film and fashion industry to showcase gender dynamics, aesthetic sensibilities and socio-cultural values of the Nigerian people to the world. From this scenario, it is very clear that its popularity can be expanded through intensive social media publicity by depicting it as cogent dress culture that can stand the test of time and give the African fashion more positive image before the world.

Keywords: Re-configure, Aso-oke, Global dress culture, Fabric,