Entrepreneur starts project on Nigerian, Scottish cultural outfits

Tobilola Tonueyi, a Nigerian fashion designer based in Scotland, has initiated a project called 'Heritage Confluence' to celebrate and preserve the cultural significance of traditional textiles. The project focuses on promoting the ancient Yoruba fabric, aso-oke, and exploring its connection with Scottish tartan.

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I started Heritage Confluence in May 2025 while preparing for an international event in Glasgow. It reawakened my creative desire and research in Scotland’s textile heritage, particularly the significance of tartan.

Tonueyi, founder and Creative Director of Teeday Honts Couture, launched the project on Tuesday at an exhibition in Paisley, Scotland. Her interest in traditional textiles was cultivated from a young age in Ibadan, Nigeria. The inspiration for 'Heritage Confluence' struck in May 2025 while preparing for an international event in Glasgow, reigniting her passion for research into Scotland's textile heritage, particularly the symbolism of tartan.

This led Tonueyi to question the relationship between Scottish and Nigerian textile heritage, proposing that both tartan and aso-oke should be explored together. As a contemporary fashion designer specializing in bespoke fashion and heritage-inspired design, Tonueyi aims to reimagine traditional craftsmanship for modern audiences through fashion, education, and cultural collaboration.

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She said the Scottish tartan and the Nigerian aso-oke should be explored as the relationship between Scottish and Nigerian textile heritage.

She created an initial design as a proof of concept, which encouraged further research. Tonueyi studied Scottish tartan traditions and collaborated with aso-oke weavers in Nigeria to adapt tartan patterns using Yoruba weaving techniques. The 'Heritage Confluence' exhibition showcased the first textile collection and documented the project's journey, from concept to garment development, highlighting the cultural dialogue between the two traditions.

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Rather than presenting only finished garments, visitors experienced the story behind the textiles, the weaving process and the creative philosophy that connects two historic textile traditions through contemporary fashion.