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Tulip Style Iro and Buba

The Modern Day Iro and Buba: Nigeria's newest Fashion Trend



Iro [ee-roe] and Buba [boo-bah] has been part of West African culture/fashion for decades. Iro is like a wrap skirt, also called wrapper. And Buba is the top. Iro and Buba is traditionally sewn using Ankara or Embroidered Lace Fabric.. But recently, people have been sewing it using Silk or Chiffon fabric, which makes the style more modern. And there's also a new way to tie the Iro to make it a Tulip Style Wrap.




The first time I saw the "modern" Iro and Buba was from Folake Folarin-Coker, owner and designer at Tiffany Amber Nigeria.. This was way before I started sewing. Folake had them is various vibrant colors, which made them stand out and unique looking. They were beautiful.. (pic below)



This is a trend I have decided to be a part of.. Usually I try to do my own thing and not follow trends, but I couldn't resist. I was never a fan of the traditional Iro and Buba, to be honest. I always feel like an old lady whenever I wear it. And my mom used to force me to wear them. Lol.. So I'm glad someone thought of a more hip way to wear it. 



Over the weekend I decided to give it a try and make myself one. I went to Joann Fabric and purchased this gorgeous Vert Brush Black and Red Crepe fabric (Similar Here & Here).  I used Vogue 8984 (V8984), view B, as the Buba (Top). And for the Iro (wrapper), I cut 2 yards of fabric and hemmed the Cut-Ends so that it won't fray.







Shout Out to Puksies Wardrobe for this awesome video tutorial on how to tie the Tulip Style Iro.



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11 comments

  1. Very cute! I've seen this style a lot lately and I like it too! Regular iro and buba make me look "straight"...lol! Maybe I'll probably try this out, and see how it goes.

    ~Chinelo~
    www.mystyleoasis.blogspot.com

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    1. Lol I feel you.. You should definitely make it. It's so comfortable to wear.

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  2. I'm so happy that this trend caught on. That old lady iro and buba look does NOT work for us younger chicks. Even till this day, my mom still feels like I need to own one. LOL. I've been waiting for the right occasion to wear mine.

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    1. Lol at Old Lady Iro and Buba.. I feel the same way.. I don't wear them often, and when I did, I was forced to wear them. I hope this trend doesn't go away like the Oleku style did cuz I actually like this and can't wait to make another one. I wore mine to church btw.

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  3. Can you do a tutorial on how you sewed it? It's awesome!

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  4. Very beautiful print
    www.damiesdiary.blogspot.com

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  5. This is just beautiful! Very helpful blog post, thank you for sharing!!

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