West African Fabrics

Source:

At VAST, we source our Aso Oke )West African fabric products) from Nigeria. The Ash Oke textile is a traditional hand-woven cloth originating from the Yoruba people of south western Nigeria. The term “Ask Oke” translates to “top cloth”, which signifies its high status and importance in the Yoruba culture. The fabric is typically woven from cotton, silk, or other fibres and is renowned for its vibrant colours, intricate patterns & rich textures. The fabric is woven on narrow looms (link our Artisans), at the strips are sewn together to create larger pieces of cloth. As the fabric is hand-woven, hand dyed and delicate, we recommend a relaxed fit & dry clean only.

Manufacturing:

Skilled hands from our small artisan team (link Artisans) carefully craft each garment, paying attention to every detail. At VAST we take pride in creating each piece consciously, allowing time for the process to unfold naturally. 

It is a slow, thoughtful approach that gives our clothing its unique touch, ensuring that each garment is not just another item but a wearable story (link vision & mission).


Care:

Dry clean only.

Source:

At VAST, we source our Vintage Indigo textiles from Burkina Faso. The fabric is dyed using traditional methods that have been practiced for generations, utilising natural indigo dyed extract from the indigofera plant. This process results in the fabric’s signature deep blue hues, which are often embellished with intricate, hand-crafted patterns through resist-dyeing techniques.

Manufacturing:

The weaving process is a meticulous craft, where individual strips are sewn together to form larger pieces, showcasing the skill and artistry passed down through generations. These patterns, each telling a unique story, reflect the artistry and cultural narratives of the region. The indigo textiles stand as more than just beautiful fabrics, they represent a deep connection to tradition, craftsmanship, and the natural environment, making each piece a true work of art. Therefore, each piece from our west African collection is truly unique. The textile is vintage delicate and requires love and care.

Care:

Dry clean only

Sauce:

At VAST (about us), we source all of our Baule clothes from the Ivory Coast. The Baule fabric (product page) is a traditional textile, crafted from the Baule people of Côte d’Ivoire, renowned for its intricate patterns and vibrant colours. 

Woven by hand using narrow strips of cotton, the cloth is often dyed with natural indigo or other vegetable based dyes, creating stunning geometric designs and motives. The weaving process is a meticulous craft, where individual strips are sewn together to form larger pieces, showcasing the skill and artistry passed down through generations. 

Each Baule cloth tells a story, embodying cultural heritage, identity, and a deep connection to nature. It is a testament to the beauty and craftsmanship of West African Textiles (West African product page).

Manufacturing:

Skilled hands from our small artisan team (link Artisans) carefully craft each garment, paying attention to every detail. At VAST we take pride in creating each piece consciously, allowing time for the process to unfold naturally. 

It is a slow, thoughtful approach that gives our clothing its unique touch, ensuring that each garment is not just another item but a wearable story (link vision & mission).


Care:

Dry clean only.