Nigerians have an amazing approach to clothing – its use of clothes for decoration of the body. Style for this country is centered around tradition, tribe and a beauty (or handsome) of depth. This country gives life to the saying, wear the clothing, don’t let it wear you. In Nigeria, fabrics such as lace, jacquard, adire, and ankara are some of the materials that are used to prepare dress. Nigerian clothing for women include buba, kaba, iro, gele and iborun or ipele and Nigerian clothing for men include buba, fila, sokoto, abeti-aja and agbada.
As the years pass by, traditional garb has taken on a new life, form and look. While the most vibrant hues and prints are very much still staples among the African community, how the natives are displaying their style is worth taking a second look at these trendsetters.
After Nigerian independence in 1960 the Nigeria market was flooded with imported fabrics and clothes. Then the country depended solely on Holland and several other countries that made good fabrics as a way to continue on fabulous tradition.
Then was the reign of the popular “Hollandis” (made in Holland) it was the best and most exorbitant fabric in Nigeria market. Over the years this have been deliberately replaced with Nigeria made fabrics. Since then, the love for patterns and rich colors may not carry a day-to-day love but the idealism, respect and display of culture reigns true through a more modern display.
Check out some of this seasons Nigerian fashionistas and gents:
In Fashion Rehab: Velma Williams
More Nigerian style:
Latest posts by Ben Wills (see all)
- Underground w/ Aisha Hinds - June 8, 2017
- Summer Reading Lists & Logs - May 18, 2017
- Summer Reading for the Kiddos - May 11, 2017