The Muslim Met Gala: Eid fashion from the West African diaspora
Six women on embracing and honouring their African roots through their dress this Eid
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Eid is often dubbed the Muslim Met Gala, with social media flooded with images of people dressed up to the nines in celebration.
For many Muslim women across the African diaspora, it’s also a moment to honour their culture and identity through fashion. Whether it’s a hand-dyed adire dress from Nigeria, a bazin boubou from Senegal or a beaded gown from Gambia, the clothes worn on Eid day often tell a story of heritage, family, friendship and faith.
Hyphen spoke to women who are embracing their roots and reimagining what Eid dressing looks like, their outfits exploring what it means to be African and Muslim in the UK today.
Kayla Mae Garcia Fernandes, 24
I reverted to Islam two years ago, so last year was my first proper Eid. I spent it with my friend and wore an abaya she gifted to me.
As Eid approached this year, I didn’t know what to wear and thought I needed to get something new. But then I reflected on the fact that Islam teaches us not to overconsume, and it’s OK to wear something you already own or have worn before.
This Eid, I’m wearing an abaya and hijab that my friend’s Sudanese grandmother gifted me, which I’ve also matched with my Telfar bag — the designer has released special Eid drops of their bags in the past.
My jewellery has sentimental value; the bangles and bracelet are my mum’s, the ring was a gift, and I’m wearing my favourite necklace, which is a map of Africa.
I wasn’t raised Muslim so I feel a disconnect in my culture. But with each Ramadan and Eid, I’m hoping to connect more deeply with my West African Muslim identity. I’m grateful to have friends who share the same heritage and are guiding me along the way, and I’m excited to start reflecting that part of myself more in my future Eid outfits.
Suma Haidarah, 25
I’m wearing a traditional Senegambian outfit made from getzner — a rich, durable fabric similar to bazin, adorned with floral embroidery. The peach, blue and orange colours reflect my love for bold, expressive fashion.
It’s a two-piece with a dress underneath and a unique overlay. I designed it myself, drawing inspiration from outfits I saw on Pinterest and Instagram, and then adding my own touch like changing the colour. I’ve always loved fashion. I’ve been sketching outfits for fun for as long as I can remember.
I always get my Eid outfits made by my trusted tailor in Gambia and plan a month or two in advance because they can get so busy. You need to make sure you get your clothes done in time.
For me, wearing traditional clothes on Eid is essential. It connects me to my culture, celebrates my identity and honours the significance of the day.
African attire is detailed and very intricate, and there’s so much that goes into sewing the clothes that it truly makes Eid feel special. I’m already planning next Eid’s look — hopefully, I’ll get it sorted on my next trip to Gambia.
Samirah Abubakar, 30
I’m wearing a brocade, boubou-style top with a matching pencil skirt. Boubous are a common dress in West Africa and this particular style is the “in” thing in Nigeria right now. My love for brocade was reignited during a recent trip to South Korea, where it can be found in traditional Korean wear, including the hanbok. The fabric dates back to the 16th century in Africa and it signifies luxury and wealth. I feel like a princess.
I bought this outfit intentionally for Eid at a pop-up fair in Nigeria last November. The designer is called Stitches by H&U and she blends popular Nigerian textiles, mainly ankara, brocade and adire, with a modern flair. It’s preserving the culture while making our clothes modern and easy to wear.
Eid is my favourite celebration; it’s when I feel most connected to my roots. Growing up in Nigeria, Eid shopping was a cherished ritual, and I want to keep that spirit alive.
I choose to wear African attire for Eid because it helps me feel present. I’m celebrating my identity and challenging narrow perceptions of what Muslim fashion and Muslims look like. Islam doesn’t erase culture, it embraces it. Dressing traditionally affirms that you can be both unapologetically African and proudly Muslim.
Mariyama Sanyang, 28
I’m wearing a corseted, bedazzled dress made in Gambia by a cousin. I was inspired by last year’s corset trend, made by a lot of West African designers. My cousin helped me source the fabric I wanted and she video-called me as she walked around Banjul’s markets. Still, prices always rise when they hear it’s for someone in the UK.
I shared a reference image with my cousin and customised the design to suit my taste. My style has evolved with my faith, from off-shoulder looks to more modest, elegant pieces. I now love boubou styles and drawing inspiration from weddings or African hall parties.
Though I used to wear western clothes or plain abayas for Eid, I’ve grown to embrace my culture. I save my statement outfits for home and wear an abaya in the morning to the mosque. This way I’m comfortable and able to move around easily, as I’m usually volunteering.
Wearing cultural attire reminds people where you’re from — it’s a visual connection to home. Gold jewellery and henna complete my look; it’s all part of the Eid magic.
Asma’u Gogo Aremu, 28
This Eid, I’m wearing a beaded adire boubou. Adire is a dyed material which originates from Ogun state in Nigeria, which is where my mother is from. My aunt gifted me and my best friend Salimat with the outfits as she wanted us to wear something from back home. Usually, when I’m in the UK for Eid I wear old outfits or abayas, so this felt special. I accessorised with gold jewellery, which Salimat had worn for her wedding.
Growing up, we would have five outfits as Eid back home isn’t a one-day affair. For the first day we would always wear white lace, often matching within the family. My dad’s love for white came from wanting our skin to shine and embrace cultural pride.
I think about my Eid outfit far in advance as I often want to get my clothes made in Nigeria. It’s part of the joy of the celebration.
As Africans, our dress is so colourful. I miss that about Nigeria. I love the simplicity of living here in the UK, but at times I want to wear bright colours and not feel like I’m too much. I’m Muslim and I’m Yoruba-Nigerian, and I want to represent both. Wearing my traditional clothing completes me, and it’s something I never want to lose.
Salimat Yewande Bakare, 26
My siblings and I always wore matching, colourful outfits growing up in Nigeria which I didn’t enjoy doing. But living in London and being away from my family, I miss the tradition. Now, Asma’u, who I grew up with, and I have continued that tradition.
On day one of Eid we’ll be wearing matching adire dresses with our other friend and her baby. The dresses have been a year in the making. I bought the material last May, and by the summer I had already taken them to my tailor in Nigeria to be sewn.
These outfits are for day two, and I’ve styled my gown with the jewellery that Asma’u wore at my wedding as the chief bridesmaid. I love wearing my rings, bangles and necklace — they make me feel feminine and rooted in who I am.
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