The Nigerian fashion has really grown with more exposure, standards and styles. In the midst of growing western influence, The industry still stands to blend these two creating wearable and everyday style. A lot of people now work in this fashion industry from clothing designers, fashion stylists, fashion photographers, makeup artists, hairstylists as well as fashion journalists. Fashion weeks (Lagos Fashion and Design Week, GTB fashion and Design week etc.) have emerged in the Nigerian fashion scene. Fashion retailers, fashion enthusiasts and influencers, as well as headliners, attend these shows.
Traditional Clothing
There is a clear difference between traditional clothing and western clothing in Nigeria. Nigerian traditional clothing reflects the culture of the different ethnic groups. In pre-colonial times, Nigerians wore their traditional garb all the time. Now, many Nigerians wear ‘trads’ for special occasions like weddings, work on Friday, religious gathers ‘Church or Mosque’ and so on. The local fabric includes Ankara fabric a 100% cotton filled with vibrant patterns and African motifs. This print is also called Dutch wax or Holland wax, African prints or African wax prints and has become internationally accepted.
Ankara fabrics are made through an Indonesian wax-resist dyeing technique called BATIK. The fabrics come with an imprint of the quality/product on it. You can make the ankara fabric into jumpsuits, dresses, skirts and blouses or even used as an additive.
Ankara Dresses For Women
Whether to religious events, dinners, weddings, social outings and events ankara serves daily fashion purposes. Different people with different taste came about with stoning, beading and even adding embroideries and frills to their ankara dress styles creating modish looks.
Worn to weddings as ‘aso-ebi’ the ankara styles can be simple, elaborate but definitely fashionable.
Rock ankara skirts, simple dress, shorts or rompers for social events and gatherings paired with sneakers, teeshirts or jeans.
Ankara For Men
The men not left out as they wear ankara fabrics as trousers, embroidered tops, shorts, suits and even as full outfits.
Notwithstanding former limitations, the fabric serves as an important accessory to men as well. They use it as ties, cufflinks, lapels and even bags.
Ankara as Accessories
With innovations and needs to make the Ankara fabric more useful and trendy, accessories like bags, shoes, pieces of jewelry and so on came about.
Ankara Jewelries
People have become really innovative making Ankara into pieces of jewelry like necklace, bracelets, earrings as well as rings. This has created a job and skill acquisition opportunities for lots of women and men alike. It also this colorful print an acceptable piece in the international fashion market.
Ankara Bags and Shoes
Clutches, handbags, cross-bags, tote bags and even backpacks and shoes made from ankara fabrics have become fashion statements. To make it more stylish and chic, women use stones, beads, frills and embroideries to sew their ankara fabrics.
Ankara Swimwears
The vibrant colors of the Ankara prints make it interesting and fun when made into swimsuits and wearing them has become really popular.
Other accessories made with ankara includes phone cases, book covers, pillowcases and glass cases.
Laces
Laces come brightly coloured, long-lasting fabrics and are in vogue especially for events, weddings and the likes in the Nigerian fashion scene.
Asoebi
Asoebi means ‘Cloth for the Family’ in Yoruba, worn in a uniform manner at ceremonies like weddings, Funerals, birthdays and other festivities. It represents union as well as common interest. Mostly, events like this choose lace as the common or family fabric. Each person chooses and sews different styles and designs.
