ADIRE
Purple adire
Purple adire, a Yoruba craft with symbolic patterns
FCFA 5,000 per metre
Width: 115 cm
Adire is a resist-dyed cloth from the Yoruba of south-western Nigeria, and Abeokuta is one of its great centres. Patterns are reserved by tying or stitching the cloth, or by applying a starch paste before dyeing.
Traditionally dyed with indigo, adire now comes in many colours, like this deep purple, while keeping its symbolic patterns. It is valued across the region for flowing, elegant women's outfits, and in Cameroon it shows up in modern sets.
Resist-dyed cotton. A light to medium-weight, supple fabric with slightly irregular pattern edges, the mark of handwork.
Supple and breathable, it drapes well and stays comfortable in hot, humid weather.
Material : ADIRE · Width: 115 cm
- Bertoua adire set, kimono top and straight trousers
- Maroua kaftan and Ebolowa kimono set
- Buea butterfly jumpsuit
- Japoma peplum set and Kotto set
Seasons : All year round, for daytime and evening outings alike.
- Hand wash or machine wash at 30°C maximum, inside out, on its own at first
- Use a mild detergent, no bleach or stain remover
- Don't soak
- Dry in the shade and iron on the reverse at a medium setting
- Purple pairs beautifully with silver, white and orange
- Worn as a full set, it creates a long, elegant silhouette
- As the patterns are handmade, they can vary slightly from one piece to the next
Designs to sew in this fabric
Frequently asked questions
Does adire bleed?
A little dye may run in the first washes, as with any artisanal dye. Wash it on its own, at 30°C maximum, and dry it in the shade.
Which style suits purple adire?
The Bertoua set was designed for it; the Maroua kaftan and the Ebolowa kimono set also show its patterns off beautifully.
Can it be mixed with another fabric?
Yes, part by part when the style allows it: on the Bertoua set, for example, purple adire trousers with an orange tie-dye top.