For this collection, I invite you to join me on an intimate journey to my homeland—Benin. It’s a place deeply woven into my story, shaped by my Yoruba heritage and the vibrant culture that surrounded me as I grew up.

While preparing this collection, I immersed myself in the rich history of Benin, once known as Dahomey. Diving into family archives, I uncovered nostalgic images of a bygone era and the timeless elegance of traditional attire worn on special occasions. This journey wasn’t just about research—it became a rediscovery of my roots and a heartfelt reconnection with my heritage.

As I traveled across Benin, I was captivated by the stories etched into its landscapes and traditions. Geometric forms, animal motifs, and delicate traditional lace emerged as recurring themes in my exploration. Wandering through the streets of Porto-Novo, the historical capital, I found inspiration in its colors, aromas, and architecture. Yet, Benin also revealed its modern, ambitious side—a country poised to share its natural and cultural treasures with the world. For Allëdjo travelers, Benin promises to be a destination of wonder and discovery.

This collection brings these inspirations to life through uniquely crafted motifs that pay homage to Benin’s culture. From patterns drawn from traditional costumes to designs found on local ceramics, the pieces reflect a palette of deep blues, soft beiges, and vibrant greens and oranges that echo the country’s lush landscapes.

In true Allëdjo spirit, the collection is crafted with light, airy fabrics like silk and cotton—perfect for catching the gentle evening breeze or accompanying you on a tranquil journey through the mangroves of Lake Ahémé. This collection is not just an ode to Benin but an invitation to explore, connect, and be inspired by its beauty.

SIMBI SET

This piece is inspired by my mother’s outfit. True to her Yoruba roots, my mum poses at a wedding, in Porto-Novo in late 70’s. This piece of fabrics , also called locally Lacy, that her & all the guests were invited to adorn to their own very styles to celebrate the unions of the 2 souls of their community. For every occasion, just like this wedding, clothing is an essential marker of the moment to be celebrated. From Bumba, simple round-neck shirts, to Gélé, intricately tied headwraps, and the prints, embellished with family gold ornaments, all still permeate in my creative vision. These memories of flamboyant traditions have been sublimated by the colorful insouciance.  Thus, we wanted to pay hommage to this community, by recreating this print. 

OGA ALE SET

This print is deeply inspired by the legacy of the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey, now Benin, and its revered thirteen totems. Each animal symbol tells the story of a Dahomey king and embodies the strength, resilience, and spirit that defined their rule. As someone with Beninese roots, these symbols are more than history—they are echoes of the legacy that shaped my ancestors and continue to influence my vision today.

The journey begins with the first king, GANGNIHESSOU (1600), symbolized by a bird and a drum with the powerful motto, ‘I am the largest bird and the loudest drum; neither can be silenced.’ It continues through to AGOLI-AGBO (1894-1900), represented by a foot tripping over a rock, a broom, and a bow, with the words, ‘The Dan-Home dynasty may have stumbled, but it has not fallen. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, and with faith, we move forward.’

Each of these symbols is not just a reminder of Benin’s rich heritage, but also a celebration of the resilience of its people—a resilience that runs deep within me. Through this design, I hope to honor that spirit and share the pride I feel for my heritage, inviting you to connect with the timeless strength and beauty of Benin.

ILA SET

This piece draws inspiration from the scarification traditions of the Beninese people. For centuries, scarification has been a mark of heritage and identity across Africa, with each ethnic group having unique patterns to represent their lineage and community—a practice that, though less common today, still holds deep cultural significance.

The Tammari people of Benin’s Atakora region continue this tradition. For young Tammari women, scarification on the back and stomach during puberty serves as a ‘proof of courage,’ symbolizing strength and resilience. Their intricate designs often echo the patterns found on the walls of their local buildings.

Through this piece, we pay tribute to this powerful art form and its enduring place in the cultural tapestry of Benin.

DAHOMEY

This piece is inspired by the very essence of life—water—and pays homage to Irving Penn’s iconic 1967 photo series ‘The Dahomey Girls.’ These photographs resonate deeply, not only for their striking beauty but also for capturing the spirit of the Beninese people in its purest form.

This series remains one of our favorite visual tributes to Benin. The poses, scarifications, hairstyles, accessories, and props all evoke powerful memories. The bowl, for instance, reminds me of one my grandmother would use to serve me porridge in Porto-Novo. It felt inevitable to honor these memories and cultural touchstones in this piece.

OUIDAH SET

This piece is inspired by the coastal beauty of Ouidah, a city graced with endless rows of coconut trees. Benin’s long shoreline, stretching along the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean, is adorned with these majestic palms—a timeless symbol of warmth and tropical abundance.

Just like the postcards sent from Benin in days past, the coconut trees stand as both a cherished part of our landscape and a source of wonder for visitors. Through this piece, I wanted to honor these iconic trees, which not only beautify our coasts but also embody the richness and generosity of our land.

ACHAKE SET

This print is inspired by two meaningful things: a cherished photograph of my mum and the hibiscus flowers I adored as a child, running freely through gardens. The photo, taken in the early 80s in Porto-Novo, captures her celebrating the union of two souls in her Yoruba community—a tradition steeped in joy and connection.

Porto-Novo, the administrative capital of Benin, holds deep significance as the heart of the Yoruba community, where they built their homes, lives, and vibrant culture. I especially love this photograph because it shows my mum in her element, radiant in her Bumba patterned attire and intricately tied Gélé, dancing with the candid, peaceful, and authentic spirit that defines her.

This print is a tribute to her elegance, her essence, and the warm memories of my own childhood.

Through these prints, we celebrate the vibrant heritage of Benin, weaving together the threads of tradition, resilience, and personal memory to honor the people, places, and moments that inspire us to create. Kassim X