Since the 70s, the Nigerian fashion industry has experienced tremendous growth and has made impact in the fashion world. Our grandparents and parents have all been into fashion and they set the pace for the present day fashion in Nigeria.
In the 70s and 80s, clothes were not necessarily worn for the 'wow' statement. There were just few fabrics notable among which were lace, Aso-Oke, velvet and (tie and dye)Adire. But the 90’s witnessed the reign of maxi gowns, pleating skirts, baggy pants and others.
Back then, there were no fashion varieties both in clothes, hairstyle, shoes and other fashion accessories. But thank God for the past few years which reawakened the vibrancy in these fabrics and which has redefined the place of Ankara in the fashion scene. Gone are the days when Ankara fabrics were only worn as wrappers. The fabric has evolved and become the perfect choice for hot and up-to-the-minute styles. Ankara fabric now come in variety of styles- jacket, gowns, top, etc. and are made into several fashion accessories like shoes, bags bangles and others.
Also, though fabrics are generally beautiful, but none combines history and craftsmanship like lace. Lace is essentially an ornamental, openwork textile with enchanting design. The fabrics are actually defined by the way they are made which dates back to the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Then, lace fabric was restricted to royalty and high-ranking aristocrats, but with the evolution in the fashion world, it has become a fabric for all, depending on the quality.
The same applies to velvet, an ancient fabric which has been made from silk thread for thousands of years. As fashion evolves, rich and luxurious texture of velvet fabrics continues to offer numerous style options for those who are eager to push the fashion wrapper.
Ase-Oke has also remained in the Nigerian fashion scene for over 40 decades, till date, the fabric remains remarkable for its gorgeous look which has made it a most wear in so many occasions especially in traditional marriages and particularly among the Yorubas.
According to Mrs. Elizabeth Ibrahim, CEO Beth Fashion House who has been a major player in the fashion industry and has witnessed many of the changes since the 70s till date, "Fashion is what you make of it, so it varies in concept to many individuals. I have never really been the type to follow whatever fashion trend is in vogue but because I am a fashion designer, indirectly I am forced to be a part of whatever fashion style evolves."
Mrs Ibrahim said." I have designed all kinds in the name of fashion since the 70s. From 'fela pants', stone washed jeans in the 70s, to 'oleku' and Igbanla Dogi' in the 80s and a part of the 90s and now straight cut pants and basic skirts, maxi dresses, cropped blouses and many more styles to choose from today, here in Nigeria and the world at large."
In view of the significant changes in hairstyles since the 70s, Martin Idahosa, a hair stylist in Abuja said he grew up watching hair styles evolve and take different dimensions." Funny enough, I grew up having a negative impression about dreadlocks and today that impression has been totally erased because of fashion. I was a little boy in the 70s but what comes to my memory is remembering my father grow an afro and keep a beard. Things kept changing as I grew older. There was a time I was crazy about the punk hairstyle but that changed as another style sprung and it was the same with the ladies as well. Styles shifted from baby curls, afro, bob marley, to million braids, ghana weaving and now we have all sorts of hair extensions including brazilian hair and the likes" Martin explained.
Also, the contemporary fashion world has embraced the massive emergence of classic mini dresses, trendy flare dresses, crepe skirts, classic handbags and designer sunglasses among others. One will not also forget the invasion of all sorts of wigs from synthetic to non-synthetic.
However It is amazing how Nigerians, especially women, have integrated the variety which is now obtainable in the fashion world. Creativity among Nigerian fashion designers has also led to the re-discovery and re-designing of local fabrics to create perfect designs hence putting Nigeria on a global scale.
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