UK-based fashion designer and creative director of Sisi Sewing, Quwiyat Olashile Lawal, has intensified efforts to promote indigenous Nigerian fabrics on the international stage, describing the initiative as a deliberate move to showcase the versatility and contemporary relevance of traditional textiles.
Lawal, who has participated in several fashion trade fairs in Birmingham, United Kingdom, said the events provided an important platform to present her collections to international buyers and fashion professionals while introducing African textiles to wider global markets. Among the fabrics she has spotlighted are Ankara, Adire and Aso-Oke, which she believes possess strong potential beyond their traditional and cultural uses.
Speaking with ThisdayLive, Lawal explained that her focus is on repositioning Nigerian fabrics as adaptable materials suitable for modern, global fashion trends.
“I want the world to see that Nigerian fabrics are not only culturally significant but also adaptable to modern fashion,” she said. “Through casual, corporate, ceremonial and climate-appropriate designs, I try to show that these materials can be worn globally.”
Through Sisi Sewing, Lawal has developed collections that merge heritage with functionality and contemporary style. Her work with premium Aso-Oke, in particular, has drawn attention for reimagining the handwoven textile beyond its customary ceremonial role. By applying refined silhouettes and modern tailoring, she has presented Aso-Oke as a fabric suitable for everyday and high-fashion wear.
Her designs have also been showcased at African Fashion Week Nigeria in Lagos, where they attracted interest from fashion industry professionals, media representatives and enthusiasts. According to Lawal, the positive reception further reinforced her belief that indigenous Nigerian fabrics can compete successfully in global markets without losing their cultural essence.
Lawal noted that her approach to Ankara, Adire and Aso-Oke prioritises practicality alongside design integrity, demonstrating how the fabrics can be adapted for everyday wear, professional environments and varying weather conditions.
Fashion critic and consultant, Seun Joseph Emmanuel, said Lawal’s work reflects a growing trend among African designers who are successfully exporting local content to international audiences.
“Sisi Sewing shows how indigenous textiles can maintain their authenticity while being globally wearable,” Emmanuel said. “Lawal’s work contributes to the international visibility of Nigerian fabrics and offers insights into how traditional materials like Adire, Ankara and Aso-Oke can be reinterpreted for contemporary audiences.”
Based in the United Kingdom, Lawal continues to expand her brand’s international footprint while maintaining a strong commitment to Nigerian textile heritage. Her work underscores a broader movement within African fashion that blends cultural identity with global appeal, positioning indigenous fabrics as relevant players in the international fashion industry.
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