Are you even Nigerian if you haven’t attended an Owambe in your finest Aso-Ebi? From weddings to birthdays, these celebrations are a beloved part of our social culture, bringing together fashion, food, music and the joy of celebrating life with loved ones. And, of course, no Owambe moment is complete without the style that comes with it.

Between choosing the perfect Aso-Ebi fabric, deciding on a silhouette and figuring out the accessories to complete your look, getting ready for an Owambe can be an experience of its own.  But looking your best and enjoying yourself at an Owambe goes beyond the outfit. This is where Damilola Adesina, popularly known as Arike Alaso, comes in. As an Aso-Ebi curator and vendor, she shares her knowledge of fabrics and styling possibilities with a community eager to make the most of their Aso-Ebi moments.

Through her social media, Arike Alaso does more than showcase her business. She also offers practical insights into the beauty and details of different fabrics, helping her audience make more informed choices when preparing for their next celebration.

So, whether you are getting ready for a wedding, a birthday party or your next big Owambe, here are some Aso-Ebi and Owambe lessons to take from Arike Alaso when you’re choosing fabrics, styling or spending money on essentials:

Don’t be afraid to draw contemporary references for your Aso-Ebi style

Aso-Ebi fabrics and contemporary fashion can make a beautiful pairing. For her birthday shoot, Arike Alaso drew inspiration from a custom white Salih Balta look on Tems at the 2025 GQ Men of the Year Awards styled by Dunsin Wright.

 

5 things you should spend money on for an Owambe

As the Aso-Ebi expert explains in this video, a beautiful fabric, the right tailor and quality accessories, when thoughtfully put together, can look far more luxurious than an expensive outfit that is poorly executed. When it comes to dressing for an Owambe, spending wisely and knowing where to invest can make all the difference.

 

Be intentional about budgeting for your As0-Ebi when you’re planning a party

Having a clear budget helps you make more informed decisions about your fabric and design without losing sight of your overall spending.

 

When you’re choosing Aso-Ebi in a couple, always start with the female fabric

When coordinating Aso-Ebi fabrics for a couple, starting with the female fabric can help guide the overall styling direction. Women’s outfits often incorporate a wider range of design details, from elaborate silhouettes to embellishments and intricate finishing, so selecting this fabric first can provide a useful reference for coordinating the man’s look