Introducing FashionandCoECO (FCoECO) with its inaugural SO Beautiful Collection, a tribute to vibrant heritage and personal history.
Based in Lagos, Nigeria, FCoECO is an artisanal fashion label that recently showcased its debut 8-piece ensemble titled SO Beautiful at the Fashion ShowEVO Show and Summit.
The SO Beautiful collection, named after Sade Olarewaju Beautiful, narrates the inspiring story of the creative director’s mother. It celebrates her mother’s joyful and colorful life, weaving themes of love, resilience, and understated elegance throughout the designs.
A significant highlight of the collection is the homage to traditional Aso-Oke fabric. The designer incorporated her mother’s treasured vintage Aso-Oke, including a rare basket-style woven piece crafted from aged raw silk, which became a focal point of the presentation. The custom-designed Akwa-Ocha print captures the essence of her mother’s life story through intricate details and vibrant hues.
Bandeau Maxi featuring trapeze Aso-Oke cut-out accents in a bespoke ‘Shapes’ print
Bandeau Maxi with trapeze Aso-Oke cut-out details in a custom ‘Shapes’ print
Ancient Basket Aso-Oke Kimono layered over the Zoe body dress in FCoECO’s Shapes print
Basket Aso-Oke shorts paired with Zoe Body Dress in Shapes print, complemented by a custom marbled Akwa-Ocha headwrap
The collection’s prints are exclusively hand-drawn and hand-dyed by skilled local textile artisans. Olamide Olarewaju, the brand’s creative director, shares her vision:
“My goal is to craft designs that resonate deeply with people-pieces that bring joy and a sense of connection. While I usually gravitate towards blacks and neutrals, this collection embraces vibrant colors because everyone deserves a splash of brightness in their wardrobe. If that joy can be expressed through clothing, then that’s exactly what I want to create.”
The Teacup Set in a custom marbled print featuring a loose-fitting shirt with ‘Jawu’ Aso-Oke accents on the collar and button panels, paired with shorts showcasing a wrap overlap for a subtle peek-a-boo effect
Mono strap Maxi adorned with luxurious Aso-Oke and practical pocket details
The Party Rocker ensemble featuring a loose lace top with Aso-Oke straps paired with 1940s-inspired flared trousers in a custom raindrop print
The KIITO Romba-Aso-Oke dress featuring faux buttons covered in marbled Akwa-Ocha prints and tassels, styled with a custom-dyed Akwa-Ocha sash
“The SO Beautiful collection draws its inspiration from my mother’s vibrant legacy and her rich, colorful wardrobe. The recent heartbreaking loss of some of her treasured belongings motivated me to channel her spirit into this colorful creative journey.” – Olamide Olarewaju, Creative Director
The ‘ETU’ Bustier paired with White Akwa-Ocha Culottes
Each garment in the FashionandCoECO collection is meticulously crafted using handwoven Aso-Oke and hand-dyed prints, sourced from artisans in Osogbo, Oyo, Abeokuta, and Lagos. The fabrics include premium linen, mulberry silk, and cotton, ensuring both quality and cultural authenticity.
Team Credits:
Photography – Chinedu Adiele
Styling – Olamide Olarewaju
Jewelry – Bland2Glam
Textile Design – Asabe Dan Ahmed
Creative Direction – Olamide Olarewaju for FCoECO