The Show stopper Aso Oke Baggy Pants by Isaleeko From Derin

I had been following Derin long before she soft-launched Isale Eko from Derin. So when her Malta Edit dropped, and I saw the Showstopper Aso Oke Baggy Pants, I knew they belonged in my wardrobe. The collection is described as colourful, easy, beautiful pieces designed for the holidays: prints, striped sets, and clothes in vibrant colours. Getting my hands on them took a little effort; my sister went to Derin’s pop-up, and though there was a bit of hassle with the payment, no fault of hers or Derin’s (Nigerian banks and their wahala), the pair had to be sent instead. Worth every bit of the wait.

Discovering Isale Eko from Derin

I first discovered her through @derinfromisaleekoclosetsale, a page where she sold new and gently worn pieces from her wardrobe and those of other stylish women, and I stayed for her gleeful, unapologetic personality. When she announced she was launching her own brand, I was ready, and the Malta Edit did not disappoint. Seeing her transition from curating pieces to designing her own felt special, and owning one of her creations made the experience even more meaningful.

About the Trousers 

The trousers come in four colourways, but I opted for the black multicoloured, which features vertical stripes in yellow, green, blue and red, running the full length of a wide floor-grazing leg. The silhouette is wide-leg and full-length with a baggy fit. The waistband is a ruched black elasticated drawstring, which adds a sporty contrast to the artisanal fabric. The fabric itself has a ribbed, tactile quality typical of hand-loomed textiles, giving it both structure and depth. It feels like a blend of traditional textile artistry and contemporary streetwear. 

One of the standout features is the perforation from around the upper thigh downward. It looks beautiful with tiny gaps that create a visual rhythm as you move. It’s also doing structural work. Without it, a pair of wide-leg trousers this voluminous would be heavy going in Lagos heat. The holes lighten the load and keep that exaggerated shape standing away from the body the way you want it to: architectural, not droopy. 

I wore them on a full day of errands: an early morning appointment, Lekki Art and Craft Market, ice cream in between, and a mall stop for a meal. I barely thought about what I was wearing. That is the review, honestly.

What is Aso Oke?

The fabric is Aso Oke, a hand-woven prestige textile made by the Yoruba people of Nigeria, traditionally reserved for weddings, ceremonies, and coronations. It is woven in narrow strips on a loom and sewn together edge to edge. What’s more, it has a density, structure and texture you feel the moment you pick it up. If you're curious about how Aso Oke is made, @abogsasooke offers a closer look at the process. She creates custom Aso Oke pieces for special occasions, and seeing the time and craftsmanship involved makes you appreciate the fabric even more.

The perforation on these trousers is the kind you might see in the Eleya style of Aso Oke weaving. It is specific and intentional, not decorative for decoration's sake. The elasticated waistband is the final detail that takes this from ceremonial fabric to something you can actually live in.

How I styled it

My styling was simple: an AYM short-sleeved black top, black platform sandals, a crossbody bag, and minimal jewellery. For evenings, I switch the platforms for kitten heels and a clutch. Nothing looks better than a pair of well-structured trousers with a heel. The extra length hits differently when something is lifting you off the ground. The trousers do the work either way.

The price sits in the mid-to-upper range for independent Nigerian fashion, which feels fair for what it is. It is a garment built on a centuries-old craft, shaped into a modern, wearable form. If you are in Lagos or ordering online, the Malta Edit is worth a proper look.