SÍSÍ ÈKÓ
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 FASHION DESIGN / Sustainable Fashion
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Sharon Omowayeola
Other Contributor(s):Tolani Odejimi
Textile / Others Supplier:Aso-oke, Deadstock
Photo Credit:@lumig.rapher
Project Location:Lagos
Design Status:Commercialized
Video URL:View
Project Description:
The SÍSÍ ÈKÓ collection is inspired by modern Lagos womanhood, confident, expressive, and rooted in everyday elegance. It is a love letter to Lagos women, celebrating their resilience, hustle, vulnerability, spirituality, and dreams. Drawing from real stories and lived experiences, the collection translates the energy of Lagos into contemporary silhouettes that honour femininity, identity, and cultural pride. Traditional elements are subtly reinterpreted through textures, beadwork, and material choices, referencing Yoruba heritage and everyday Lagos life. Each piece carries its own narrative, from designs inspired by dignity and grace to those embodying bold, modern expression, in turn reflecting women who are deeply aware of their origins and intentional in how they present themselves. At its core, Sisi Èkó embraces conscious creation, using thoughtful sourcing and slow design processes to respond to fashion waste. It is a celebration of culture, identity, and sustainability, designed for women who are not afraid to be seen.
The SÍSÍ ÈKÓ collection is inspired by modern Lagos womanhood, confident, expressive, and rooted in everyday elegance. It is a love letter to Lagos women, celebrating their resilience, hustle, vulnerability, spirituality, and dreams. Drawing from real stories and lived experiences, the collection translates the energy of Lagos into contemporary silhouettes that honour femininity, identity, and cultural pride. Traditional elements are subtly reinterpreted through textures, beadwork, and material choices, referencing Yoruba heritage and everyday Lagos life. Each piece carries its own narrative, from designs inspired by dignity and grace to those embodying bold, modern expression, in turn reflecting women who are deeply aware of their origins and intentional in how they present themselves. At its core, Sisi Èkó embraces conscious creation, using thoughtful sourcing and slow design processes to respond to fashion waste. It is a celebration of culture, identity, and sustainability, designed for women who are not afraid to be seen.
Project Innovation / Specification:
SÍSÍ Èkó merges cultural storytelling with conscious design, translating modern Lagos womanhood into garments that are both expressive and intentional. A key innovation lies in the use of materials. The collection incorporates discarded and dead-stock fabrics, alongside hand-dyed adire, reworking existing textiles into refined, contemporary silhouettes. Natural and culturally significant materials such as cowries, traditional beads, raffia, and coconut shells are thoughtfully integrated, not as decoration, but as storytelling elements that carry history, identity, and meaning. These materials are combined through slow, deliberate techniques that prioritize craftsmanship and individuality. By fusing heritage materials with modern construction, Sisi Èkó creates a dialogue between past and present, offering a sustainable approach to fashion that is deeply rooted in culture, resourcefulness, and innovation.
SÍSÍ Èkó merges cultural storytelling with conscious design, translating modern Lagos womanhood into garments that are both expressive and intentional. A key innovation lies in the use of materials. The collection incorporates discarded and dead-stock fabrics, alongside hand-dyed adire, reworking existing textiles into refined, contemporary silhouettes. Natural and culturally significant materials such as cowries, traditional beads, raffia, and coconut shells are thoughtfully integrated, not as decoration, but as storytelling elements that carry history, identity, and meaning. These materials are combined through slow, deliberate techniques that prioritize craftsmanship and individuality. By fusing heritage materials with modern construction, Sisi Èkó creates a dialogue between past and present, offering a sustainable approach to fashion that is deeply rooted in culture, resourcefulness, and innovation.
Project Sustainability Approach:
SíSí ÈKÓ prioritizes materials and processes that minimize environmental impact while honoring craftsmanship and cultural identity. Central to this approach is the Ireti dress, a fully biodegradable piece crafted from a thoughtful combination of natural fabrics and food waste elements, demonstrating that elegance and environmental responsibility can coexist. Materials are carefully chosen for both heritage and ecological value: 100% cotton Aso-oke, hand-dyed Adire, and deadstock fabrics form the foundation of the collection, while discarded coconut shells are refined into embellishments, giving new life to what would otherwise become waste. Beyond materials, the collection champions slow design and intentional making, processes that value craftsmanship, minimize waste, and extend the life of garments.
SíSí ÈKÓ prioritizes materials and processes that minimize environmental impact while honoring craftsmanship and cultural identity. Central to this approach is the Ireti dress, a fully biodegradable piece crafted from a thoughtful combination of natural fabrics and food waste elements, demonstrating that elegance and environmental responsibility can coexist. Materials are carefully chosen for both heritage and ecological value: 100% cotton Aso-oke, hand-dyed Adire, and deadstock fabrics form the foundation of the collection, while discarded coconut shells are refined into embellishments, giving new life to what would otherwise become waste. Beyond materials, the collection champions slow design and intentional making, processes that value craftsmanship, minimize waste, and extend the life of garments.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
The collection directly empowers local artisans and makers by creating demand for traditional textiles and crafts, including Aso-oke weaving, hand-dyed Adire, and beadwork. By sourcing materials locally and incorporating deadstock and upcycled elements, it strengthens regional supply chains while reducing environmental strain. The innovative reuse of coconut shells and discarded fabrics models sustainable practices for other designers. By blending heritage techniques with contemporary design, it celebrates Lagos culture, showcases regional creativity on a global stage, and inspires socially and environmentally responsible fashion across West Africa.
The collection directly empowers local artisans and makers by creating demand for traditional textiles and crafts, including Aso-oke weaving, hand-dyed Adire, and beadwork. By sourcing materials locally and incorporating deadstock and upcycled elements, it strengthens regional supply chains while reducing environmental strain. The innovative reuse of coconut shells and discarded fabrics models sustainable practices for other designers. By blending heritage techniques with contemporary design, it celebrates Lagos culture, showcases regional creativity on a global stage, and inspires socially and environmentally responsible fashion across West Africa.
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Sharon Omowayeola
