American singer and global style icon, Ciara, recently stepped into the spotlight wearing a culturally rich ensemble crafted by internationally acclaimed fashion designer
Tubo Bereni, who hails from Abuloma in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The outfit draws its inspiration from the traditional Ijaw Iria ceremony — a historic celebration marking a young girl’s passage into womanhood.
Tubo shared that the design was created as a modern interpretation of the Iria ritual, where young women are traditionally adorned in oil and honored for embodying beauty, maturity, and feminine strength. She noted that the piece represents “a woman becoming,” reflecting growth, pride, and the elegance of African identity.
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Reflecting on the collaboration, Tubo said, “This was the one where Ciara called, and we made her a global Iria maiden. From the creeks of the Niger Delta to global stages, culture can be couture and heritage can be haute.”
Ciara’s choice of the outfit has been praised widely across social media and fashion communities for its cultural boldness and elegance. Though some think the outfit doesn’t exactly represent the culture as claimed, others have applauded the collaboration for amplifying Niger Delta heritage on a worldwide platform, showcasing that African traditions continue to shape and influence global fashion narratives.
