ANKO by Odesbaba Couture: A Critique of Elegance, Tradition, and Inclusive Style

By Elvis Kachi

As 2024 draws to a close, creative director of Odesbaba Couture, Odehsola Mutiu Adeshina, has unveiled ANKO, a design for men that beautifully balances affordability with tradition, class, and elegance.

Known primarily for luxury pieces that exude opulence and refinement, Odeshola takes a refreshing turn with this release, introducing an Ankara-inspired design that emphasizes accessibility while retaining the label’s signature artistry.

ANKO is striking for its rich use of African wax print, a medium that is deeply symbolic in cultural expression yet often relegated to either overly casual or ceremonial wear.

Odeshola elevates the fabric, presenting it with sharp tailoring and thoughtful cuts that lend the outfit a sense of occasion without stripping it of its everyday usability.

The design exudes a certain versatility: it can be worn confidently in semi-formal settings, cultural events, and even smart casual gatherings.

The beauty of ANKO lies in its inclusive appeal. By opting for Ankara, Odeshola reaches beyond the narrow confines of high luxury to embrace a wider audience.

Here, the fabric is not positioned as a compromise but rather as an intentional medium of style one that affirms identity and community while still radiating modern sophistication.

This makes the design both relevant and relatable, ensuring that more men can see themselves participating in the brand’s vision of elegance.

Stylistically, ANKO achieves balance. The bold, fluid motifs of the ankara print are harmonized by the simplicity of the silhouette, preventing the design from overwhelming the wearer.

The pairing with minimalist footwear and subtle accessories further demonstrates Odeshola’s understanding of restraint in styling, allowing the fabric itself to remain the focal point.

Meanwhile, the design is not without its constraints. ANKO, while versatile, may not seamlessly transition into ultra-formal contexts such as black-tie events, where Westernized tailoring often dominates.

Additionally, its strong cultural grounding may limit its resonance among audiences unfamiliar with African prints.

However, these constraints do not diminish its power; rather, they affirm that ANKO is unapologetically rooted in identity, intended for those who value both tradition and individuality in their style choices.

Overall, ANKO is more than just a design release it is a statement of intent.

Odeshola Mutiu Adeshina proves that African fashion can be both inclusive and refined, affordable yet elegant, culturally grounded yet globally appealing.

With ANKO, Odesbaba Couture demonstrates that true creativity lies not only in crafting luxury but also in redefining who gets to participate in fashion’s evolving story.