Ayah

This collection is an ode to the untold beauty of riverside life in the Niger Delta — seen through the eyes of the men who live by the water, labour in silence, and carry the culture of a people on their backs. Draped in the spirit of flow, memory, and earth, this is their story, reimagined for the runway.

“The Fisherman’s Echo” is not just a collection — it is a meditation.

Set against the muddy brown waters and wind-worn riverbanks of the Niger Delta, this
menswear story speaks to the quiet resilience of coastal communities. It honours the fisherman —
his solitude, his strength, his rhythm. It honours the land — saturated in history, rich in texture,
wounded by pollution yet spiritually unshaken.

Every silhouette is relaxed but intentional. From wide-legged trousers that mimic waves, to
draped kimonos that flow like nets at rest, the collection plays with fluidity and weight. Earthy
tones ground the wearer in heritage, while mesh layers and cowrie accents elevate them into
regal, future-facing figures.

This is cultural memory as clothing. This is softness as power. This is Black masculinity redefined
— rooted, reflective, and free.

KEY FABRICS AND EMBELISHMENTS

Fabrics:

• Tie and Dye Cottons — Inspired by river mud stains and wet soil tones, each piece carries depth through

irregular dye techniques that mimic watermarks and sediment.

• Lightweight Linen & Cotton Blends — Chosen for breathability and flow, echoing the wind that moves

through fishing nets and riverbanks.

• Fishnet Textures & Mesh Weaves — Symbolising the nets themselves, these textures speak to daily life on the

water.

Embellishments & Details:

• Cowrie Shells — Once used as currency across West Africa, they represent both wealth and spiritual
protection. Worn on ankles, wrists, or caps, they ground the collection in ritual and adornment.
• Net Appliqués & Overlays — Not just utility, but poetry — the fisherman’s net is reimagined in layered

fashion textures.

• Raffia & Twine — Representing organic craftsmanship and the handwoven skill of water-side artisans.
• Raw Edges & Frayed Seams — Intentionally unfinished hems evoke erosion and the gentle decay of materials

exposed to tide and time.