FASHION

How The Ijebus Come Up With Elaborate Fashion At Ojude Oba Festival

Published

5 months ago

June 22, 2024

Ojude Oba: How Ijebus come up with elaborate fashion | Fab.ng

Yoruba fashion is a big deal at the Ojude Oba festival! Yoruba people have a saying: “We greet the cloth before greeting the wearer.” This proverb highlights the importance of clothing and its role in first impressions. Another proverb, “People are my cloth,” emphasizes how clothing is seen as an extension of oneself.

The Ojude Oba festival is a prime example of this emphasis on fashion. People go all out to honour the king with not just singing, dancing, and prayers, but also with elaborate outfits. It’s a public display of cultural pride and personal style.

Women at the festival adorn themselves in the finest jewellery and makeup, putting their most beautiful foot forward. They strive to be visually stunning as part of the celebration.

Getting ready for Ojude Oba isn’t a last-minute affair. People spend months deliberating on their outfits – from the fabrics (some imported) to the accessories, and even the tailors who will bring their vision to life.

Motivations for dressing up for Ojude Oba

A recent study delved into the reasons behind the Ojude Oba fashion scene. Here’s what they found:

Cultural pride: Most participants (50%) felt dressing up significantly promoted Yoruba culture.
Keeping Up with Trends: For 37.5%, it was a chance to showcase the latest styles.
Standing Out: While competition wasn’t the main focus, 37.5% still aimed to impress with their beauty and aesthetics.

Dress code and social hierarchy

The way people dress at Ojude Oba reveals a lot about their social standing.

Ojude Oba Festival : Exploring One Of Nigeria's Most Elaborate Cultural Events. | PeakD

Men’s fashion: Men traditionally wear fabrics like “etu” and “alaari.” These fabrics are highly respected within Yoruba culture and signal prestige. Think of them as the Yoruba equivalent of a tuxedo!

Women’s fashion: Women, on the other hand, have a wider range of options. They often choose a blend of modern style and cultural heritage. Embroidered lace adds a touch of contemporary flair, while “aso-oke” represents their connection to Yoruba traditions.

Price as a status symbol: The cost of the outfit plays a role too. The more expensive the fabric, the more impressive it’s considered. Some of the fabrics worn are particularly valuable and are seen as ceremonial clothes.

Owning and wearing these pieces holds significant social meaning within Yoruba communities. It’s a way of showing respect for tradition and celebrating one’s place in society.

Social identity

At the Ojude Oba festival, people dress according to their age group. Each group takes pride in their outfits, which become a way to show off their social standing and sense of community. Imagine it like a friendly fashion competition between different age groups.

Since belonging to the “best dressed” group is a point of pride, you’ll often see a sense of uniformity within each age group. Everyone coordinates their outfits to create a cohesive and impressive look. It’s a way of showcasing their unity and commitment to their age group traditions.

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FASHION

Top 7 Thrilling Fashion Shows In Nigeria

Published

4 days ago

November 10, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Fashion shows in Nigeria consistently highlight the exceptional talent of local designers, setting new trends that resonate across Africa and beyond.

Each year, fashion shows in Nigeria attract thousands of fashion enthusiasts eager to witness the innovative styles emerging from the industry.

These events provide a platform for designers to showcase their creativity and gain international recognition.

Through these fashion shows in Nigeria, the country’s fashion sector not only embraces tradition but also boldly experiments with modern influences, creating a unique blend that captivates audiences.

By showcasing the richness of African textiles and contemporary styles, fashion shows in Nigeria continue to solidify the country’s reputation as a fashion hub on the continent.

7 Must-Attend Fashion Shows in Nigeria

1. Lagos Fashion Week (LFW)

Lagos Fashion Week is undoubtedly one of the biggest fashion events in Nigeria and across Africa. It usually takes place in October and serves as a platform for both emerging and established designers to present their latest collections.

This event has significantly contributed to the growth of the fashion industry by attracting buyers, fashion enthusiasts, and media from around the world.

Lagos Fashion Week focuses on promoting African creativity, emphasizing sustainable fashion practices, and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders.

2. GTCO Fashion Weekend

The GTCO Fashion Weekend is another major fashion event held annually in Lagos. Sponsored by Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), this event is free to attend and focuses on fashion retail and consumer experience.

It features runway shows, fashion masterclasses, and pop-up shops, allowing designers to connect directly with consumers.

The event also includes workshops led by international fashion experts, giving attendees valuable insights into the global fashion industry.

3. African Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN)

African Fashion Week Nigeria is dedicated to showcasing African fashion talents. Held in Lagos, it is part of the broader African Fashion Week initiative that includes events in London.

The goal is to promote emerging designers and highlight African-inspired fashion to a global audience.

The event celebrates traditional African textiles and contemporary fashion, providing designers with a platform to gain international exposure.

4. Arise Fashion Week

Arise Fashion Week is known for its high-end runway shows and star-studded guest list. This fashion show takes place in Lagos and attracts some of the biggest names in fashion, both locally and internationally.

It has featured supermodels like Naomi Campbell and highlighted renowned African designers. Arise Fashion Week has become synonymous with luxury fashion, emphasizing African excellence and craftsmanship.

5. Lagos Fashion Fair

The Lagos Fashion Fair is primarily a trade show, focusing on fashion exhibitions and business networking. It is an excellent opportunity for fashion designers, manufacturers, and retailers to showcase their products and connect with potential buyers.

This event draws exhibitors from all over Africa and beyond, making it a vibrant hub for fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals. The fair usually includes fashion shows, live demonstrations, and product exhibitions.

6. Nigeria Fashion Week

Organized by Legendary Gold Limited, Nigeria Fashion Week is a long-standing event that focuses on promoting the country’s fashion industry on an international level.

It showcases both traditional and contemporary African fashion, aiming to preserve the heritage of Nigerian textiles while embracing modern trends.

This event also emphasizes sustainable fashion practices and eco-friendly designs, encouraging designers to incorporate these principles into their collections.

7. Port Harcourt International Fashion Week (PHIFW)

Port Harcourt International Fashion Week is gaining recognition as one of Nigeria’s prominent fashion events outside Lagos.

It provides a platform for designers from different parts of Nigeria, particularly the Niger Delta region, to showcase their creativity.

The event includes runway shows, exhibitions, and workshops that focus on empowering young talents in the fashion industry.

It highlights the diversity of Nigerian fashion and encourages designers to infuse their cultural heritage into their work.

These fashion shows have played a significant role in positioning Nigeria as a fashion powerhouse in Africa. They provide opportunities for designers to gain exposure, build their brands, and showcase African fashion to the world.

Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, designer, or retailer, attending these events can offer a wealth of inspiration and networking possibilities.

By exploring these top fashion events, you can experience the rich diversity, innovation, and cultural vibrancy of Nigerian fashion.

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FASHION

5 Feminine Fashion Items Originally Made For Men

Published

2 weeks ago

November 3, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Female Fashion Items Originally Made For Men | fab.ng

Today, if you spot a man wearing high heels, a thong, and carrying a handbag, it might seem like he’s dressing in a very feminine way. Yet, these female fashion items originally made for men were once standard in men’s wardrobes.

In earlier eras, high heels, thongs, and handbags were functional and stylish choices for men, symbolizing status and class rather than gender expression.

Gender, as we understand it now, exists on a broad spectrum, where behaviours or styles often labelled as “feminine” or “effeminate” don’t belong exclusively to one gender.

Many traits and styles we consider feminine today have roots in male fashion, showing that what society defines as masculine or feminine has shifted significantly over time.

Here are five very feminine fashion items that were originally made for men:

1. High Heels

High heels are perhaps the most surprising item on this list of female fashion items originally made for men. Today, they are icons of femininity, yet their origins are deeply rooted in practical military use for men.

In the 10th century, Persian soldiers wore high heels to secure their feet in stirrups while on horseback, which allowed for better balance and accuracy in combat.

High heels made their way into European fashion in the 17th century when male aristocrats embraced them not only for practicality but also as a status symbol. High heels gave men an imposing height, adding a powerful edge to their appearances.

Over time, high heels evolved into symbols of sophistication and grace, becoming strongly associated with women’s fashion.

2. Handbag

5 very feminine fashion items originally made for men - Live Ghana TV

The handbag, a staple in modern women’s wardrobes, is another example of female fashion items originally made for men. In the early 1900s, hand-held bags were popular among men who needed a practical way to carry personal items.

Over time, designers began adapting these bags for women by adding feminine touches like closures, zippers, and multiple compartments, making them more functional and stylish.

By the mid-20th century, handbags had become an essential female accessory, reflecting the daily needs and lifestyles of women. This shift not only transformed the design but also redefined handbags as symbols of feminine fashion.

3. Thongs

Another surprising entry on the list of female fashion items originally made for men is the thong. Long before they became a popular choice of women’s underwear, thongs were worn by men, specifically designed to cover the private areas while leaving the buttocks exposed.

Archaeological evidence shows that thongs date back to around 42,000 BC in Africa, and similar garments were later seen in ancient Egypt, Greece, Crete, and Japan.

These early thongs were both functional and symbolic, often worn by men of higher status or those involved in athletic or ritual activities. Over centuries, this minimalist garment evolved, eventually becoming popular among women as a stylish and versatile undergarment.

4. Stockings

Stockings now considered a delicate, feminine accessory, were actually a male fashion staple for centuries. Consequemtly, this makes them another fascinating example of female fashion items originally made for men.

Dating back to the 9th century, men wore various forms of legwear, from breeches to pantyhose, primarily as practical garments for warmth and comfort. Stockings were commonly worn by men of the upper classes. They often wear white or vibrant colours to denote wealth and status.

Meanwhile, working-class men wore simple black stockings. By the 16th century, stockings were an essential element of a man’s wardrobe, showcasing his social standing and style. Over time, this style transitioned to women’s fashion, where stockings became a symbol of elegance and allure.

5. Menstrual Pad

Among the most surprising female fashion items originally made for men are disposable menstrual pads. Although primarily thought of as a product designed for women’s hygiene, the disposable pad has roots in military medicine.

Invented by Benjamin Franklin, these pads were initially developed to help injured soldiers stop bleeding more effectively. Their absorbent and easy-to-use nature caught the attention of nurses, who began using them as menstrual pads. They recognized their practical benefits for women’s hygiene.

This dual purpose led to the eventual evolution of the menstrual pad into a women’s health product. It transformed a wartime invention into an everyday essential for women.

Rethinking Masculinity and Femininity in Fashion

These five female fashion items originally made for men challenge the notion of fashion as being inherently “masculine” or “feminine.” Rather, the ways these items transitioned from male to female wardrobes reflect a shift in cultural attitudes and values over time.

Fashion remains a dynamic expression, evolving as society redefines gender norms and personal identity. In the end, these female fashion items originally made for men remind us that fashion has always been. Indeed, it continues to be, a rich blend of practicality, style, and self-expression.

FASHION

See How Eki’s Collection Graced The Walkway At Lagos Fashion Week 2024

Published

2 weeks ago

October 28, 2024

Reporter

Eki's Collection At Lagos Fashion Week 2024 | fab.ng

Fashion lovers! Lagos Fashion Week 2024 took centre stage from October 23rd to 27th. Trust me, you’ll want to keep your eyes glued to Eki’s collection, and the fabulous runway action and street-style inspirations that are making waves.

This year hits differently with its theme “COMMUNE” – and it’s not just about the designers (though they’re absolutely incredible). It’s a beautiful celebration of everyone who makes the magic happen, from the pattern makers to the seamstresses working their magic behind the scenes.

Day 3 is packed with fashion heavyweights who are ready to blow our minds! We’re talking about an incredible lineup including Ajanée, Cute Saint, Jewel Jemila, Kilentar, Lady Biba, LSP, Y’ Wandelag, Boyedoe, Desiree Iyama, Fruche, Eki, Orire, Rendoll, JZO, and Awa Meite. Each designer brings their unique flair to the runway, showing exactly why African fashion is taking over the global stage.

Speaking of showstoppers, let’s talk about Eki’s collection – it’s pure magic! With Eki’s collection, you think of free-spirited bohemian vibes that make you want to book a vacation immediately. The flowing fabrics, detailed craftsmanship, and vibrant colours create a perfect paradise on the runway.

See Eki’s collection below.

Lagos Fashion Week 2024 isn’t just another fashion event – it’s a powerful statement about African creativity and talent. It’s inspiring the next generation of fashion innovators and pushing our continent’s fashion industry to new heights. From the runway to the streets, Lagos is proving once again why it’s Africa’s undisputed fashion capital.

So whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, industry professional, or just someone who loves beautiful clothes, this is your moment to witness African fashion history in the making.

Check out more updates here.