By Ayo Onikoyi

UK-based fashion designer and creative director of Sisi Sewing, Quwiyat Olashile Lawal, has explained why she is focusing on promoting indigenous Nigerian fabrics abroad. Speaking with Potpourri, Lawal said her aim is to highlight the versatility and contemporary potential of traditional materials such as Ankara, Adire, and Aso-Oke.

“I want the world to see that Nigerian fabrics are not only culturally significant but also adaptable to modern fashion. Through casual, corporate, ceremonial, and climate-appropriate designs, I try to show that these materials can be worn globally,” she said.

Lawal has used Ankara, Adire, and premium Aso-Oke to create garments that combine heritage, function, and style. Her work with Aso-Oke, in particular, repositions the handwoven textile beyond traditional ceremonial use, presenting it in refined silhouettes suitable for contemporary fashion. Her collections have been presented at African Fashion Week Nigeria, held in Lagos, where they attracted attention from industry professionals, media representatives, and fashion enthusiasts.

Her approach to Ankara, Adire, and Aso-Oke emphasizes both practicality and design integrity. According to Lawal, her work demonstrates that these fabrics can be adapted to everyday wear, professional attire, and designs responsive to different weather conditions, without compromising their cultural identity.

“Sisi Sewing shows how indigenous textiles can maintain their authenticity while being globally wearable,” said Seun Joseph Emmanuel, Fashion Critic and Consultant. “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.”

Lawal continues to run her brand in the UK, aiming to expand her international presence while maintaining a strong focus on Nigerian textile heritage. Her work reflects a growing movement among designers who are successfully exporting local content and cultural identity into global fashion spaces.

Beyond Nigeria, Lawal has participated in promoting indigenous Nigerian fabrics abroad, highlighting the versatility of traditional materials, which are the aims of Lawal.

She has showcased her craft at fashion trade fairs in Birmingham, UK, presenting her collections to international buyers and fashion professionals. These events have provided a platform for her to introduce African textiles—including Aso-Oke—to a broader audience, while exploring how traditional fabrics can be integrated into global fashion markets.