In a fashion world that often chases speed over soul, AIMAS moves differently — and it’s about time someone did. Founded in Lagos by Tayo Shonekan in 2007, the brand isn’t chasing trends; it’s creating timeless pieces that feel personal. 

Every piece is made for you — designed to move with meaning. And yes, once you see how these fabrics move, it’s hard not to think clothes have feelings.

A Foundation in Heritage

Tayo Shonekan didn’t follow a conventional fashion path. Her education came from culture, shaped by the artistry of daily life and the storytelling embedded in traditional textiles.

AIMAS takes traditional fabrics like Adire, Aso-Oke, and Ankara — textiles that carry generations of history — and reimagines them in modern, wearable silhouettes. It’s fashion that doesn’t just reference tradition; it lives it.

The Canji Flared Silk Dress is a prime example: bold puff sleeves, smooth silk, and a shape that just begs for a slow walk through a breezy hallway. It’s the kind of dress that makes you want to RSVP “yes” to events you’d usually skip, just for the outfit.

Style That Speaks

If you think fabric is just... fabric, AIMAS will prove you wrong. Every piece carries a sense of memory, emotion, and meaning, woven right into the seams. These designs don’t just sit on the body; they move, reveal, and invite connection.

The Yanci Chiffon Cape Dress, with its featherlight layering of chiffon and organza, floats as if caught in a quiet current. It’s the kind of softness that almost tricks you, looking structured from afar, only to move with a weightlessness that’s unexpected (and a little mesmerising to watch).

Meanwhile, the Zauditu Mixed Adire Midi Dress layers traditional hand-dyed patterns with a playful tulle hem. It’s serious heritage on top, party at the bottom — the kind of duality you didn’t know you needed in your closet until now.

And for those pieces that speak even louder the longer you look, there's the Khosi Shirt Dress. Structured and clean at first glance, it reveals more over time, like the subtle image of a woman woven into the fabric, a soft but striking nod to resilience and identity. And the dramatic sleeves? Let’s just say they make a strong case for talking with your hands.

The Ongoing Impact

AIMAS is all about keeping tradition alive — the craft, the culture, the stories — but it doesn’t stop there. It’s about building something sustainable. By working hand-in-hand with local artisans and producing in small, thoughtful batches, AIMAS helps create steady work that supports entire craft communities — not just the makers, but everything around them.

AIMAS doesn’t stick to one lane. It blends heritage craftsmanship with a modern design perspective, redefining what African fashion can look and feel like today. And with the lifestyle line expanding, that storytelling continues beyond the clothes, turning culture into something you live with, not just wear.

The Ominira Adire Wrap Dress ties it all together, literally and figuratively. "Ominira" means "freedom" in Yoruba, and everything about this piece — the flow, the fit, the effortless grace — embodies that spirit.

Discover AIMAS on ADJOAA

Every wardrobe has a turning point. This could be yours. Explore the full collection now on ADJOAA, and find the one that feels made for you.

About The Author: Crystal Tan is a marketing and communication intern at ADJOAA, pursuing a bachelor’s in Global Management at Thunderbird School of Global Management, ASU.