Couleur Indigo presented the Apusomɛ collection on 24 October 2026. The fashion show took place at Indigo Village on the shores of Lake Toho in the municipality of Ouidah, Benin. The presentation of the 'Apusomɛ' collection on October 24, 2026, served as a platform to showcase the latest advancements in local textile design.
Coline-Lee Toumson-Venite, Project Manager for Arts, Culture, and Cultural and Creative Industries for the Presidency of Benin, attended the event. Regarding the work of designer Nadia Adanlé, she stated: "I believe Nadia is developing one of Benin’s most precious assets—a true gem for its cultural and creative tourism sector." The presence of official representatives noted the importance of the textile industry to the nation’s broader creative economy.
Seabed Inspired Indigo Patterns
The Apusomɛ collection features 16 new indigo patterns designed by Nadia Adanlé. These designs incorporate specific motifs inspired by the marine environment, including fish, seashells, octopus, jellyfish, turtles, and corals. The collection includes motifs such as fish, seashells, octopus, jellyfish, turtles, and corals, which are meticulously integrated into the fabric designs. By utilizing these natural forms, the collection seeks to bridge the gap between traditional dyeing techniques and contemporary aesthetic expressions.
Regarding the design philosophy behind the collection, stylist and designer Nadia Adanlé stated, "Our goal is to promote this fabric and revive it from its state of neglect. And today, continuing with this same approach, we are focusing on the quality of what we offer. Then, we are working on enhancing the product's prestigious image. And finally, we are as creative as we possibly can be." This emphasis on quality and prestige is intended to reposition indigo textiles within both local and international markets.
Nadia Adanlé further explained the historical and symbolic focus of the patterns, noting that the work draws directly from the Atlantic Ocean. "There is one motif we named ‘Filimi’—‘Remember Me.’ In drawing inspiration from the seabed, we looked specifically to the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike other oceans, the Atlantic is the world’s largest graveyard. I decided that, since those who perished there have no graves, they should at least have a fabric that remembers them." This narrative approach to design imbues each piece with a specific cultural and historical weight, transforming the textiles into commemorative objects.
Beyond the debut of the Apusomɛ collection, the industry focus remains on upcoming events dedicated to traditional textile arts. The fifth edition of the African Indigo Symposium is scheduled for November 2026. This gathering will continue discussions regarding the development and preservation of indigo dyeing techniques. Participants at the upcoming symposium are expected to address the technical challenges of dye application while exploring new ways to market these textiles to a global audience. The event will serve as a venue for practitioners to exchange knowledge on the sustainability of indigo production and the long-term viability of the craft in a modern economic context. By fostering collaboration, the symposium aims to secure the future of these traditional practices for subsequent generations of artisans.
