Unburnt
Category: Apparel
Competitions: Africa
Unburnt is a contemporary fashion collection inspired by the legendary Yoruba queen, Moremi Ajasoro of Ile-Ife. A woman remembered for her bravery, sacrifice, and strategic defiance in the face of oppression. This collection reimagines her story for the modern age, transforming her legacy into wearable symbols of resilience, feminine strength, and cultural pride. Each design in Unburnt reflects six symbolic motifs from Moremi’s journey: • Water – her divine connection to the Esimirin river goddess. • Hope – for the peace and restoration she brought back to Ile-Ife. • Cowries – representing wealth, femininity, and ancestral guidance. • Defense – the strategy and cunning she used to protect her people. • Fire and cycle of life- the transformative force through which she triumphed. Sustainability is embedded in every element of this collection. Upcycled cowhide leather, a byproduct of the food industry, is repurposed to reduce waste and honor its natural strength and texture. Raffia, a renewable palm fiber, adds softness and authenticity while supporting traditional craftsmanship. Cotton voile and metallic thread accents are consciously selected for their biodegradability or recyclability. Yoruba Adire motifs are hand-applied using low-impact techniques, deepening the spiritual narrative and reinforcing indigenous design practices. Unburnt champions slow fashion, emphasizing storytelling, timelessness, and emotional connection over trend-driven cycles. Each garment is not just worn it is lived in, remembered, and passed on. This collection is a tribute to cultural endurance, environmental respect, and the unwavering spirit of women who rise and not destroyed by the fire, but defined by it.
