Local designs have gained prominence and dot various social and corporate events in and outside the country.
The Nigerian native attire remains the toast of many gatherings but with a difference. Its increased popularity has spurred many designers to create contemporary outfits that could be worn for all occasions. From the boutique in your neighbourhood, the market closest to you, to the high brow stores and major markets across the country, it is interesting to see an array of local fabrics sewn stylishly that make the wearer stand out at any gathering.
They are richly designed and very affordable. Almost every market has a section for local fabrics as well as tailored ones but they are cheaper at specialised markets, such as Balogun and Gotta in Lagos Island, Itokun in Abeokuta and Gbagi in Ibadan. Many notable fashion designers get their materials and accessories from these markets for their trendy designs attires which they display in malls and boutiques. Some export them abroad and make huge profit from their sales because of its high demand in various parts of the world.
In the past, people wore native attires mostly for cultural and traditional events, such as weddings, festivals, christening and burial. Even at that, it was optional – only the core traditionalists imbibed it. But today, the case is different. Local designs dot every social gathering you can think of. Many wear them at corporate events. It is also trendy in offices; many people use them to make beautiful styles with a mix of corporate flavour.
In the past, many red carpet events flaunted clothes, shoes and accessories by western designers. But these days, many are proud to say their outfits have been made from local fabrics. This was also a major observation last Saturday, during the 2013 Hip hop World award ceremony otherwise called ‘The Headies’. Unlike previous editions of the show where people made a show of wearing outfits from foreign designers, most of those interviewed by Hip TV on the Yellow carpet said their clothes were sourced locally.
The Managing Director, Faculus Fashion, a high brow fashion outfit on Adenekan Salako Close, Ogba, Lagos, Mr Dele Faculude Olowe highlighted the uniqueness of local designs and gave tips on how to shop for them.
He said: “Great respect is now accorded native fabrics and that is what it should be. This time things have changed. People wearing native to the office helps us to have customers. There are certain things to consider while buying native fabrics. If it is lace fabric for instance, look at the quality of the material. Look at the fabric and not just the embroidery. You have to be sure that it is 100 per cent cotton. The best lace is Swiss. It is our job, so we know the fabrics very well. It is also advisable to buy from different stores, except you discover a seller who is honest. You can also know the quality through the price. As far as I am concerned, I will tell you; this must be more expensive than this.”
On shopping for Guinea brocade, he said: “If you do not know it, you may buy the fake as original. Look at the label. The best among them is Jetsner. It depends on the shop and the price. The same applies to Ankara, wooden and other local fabrics. You have to know them very well, to be able to identify the fake from the original. Many of my customers rely on me to help them spot the original when they are shopping. But it is something you can also do for yourself, if you are very observant”.
His outfit, Faculus Fashion, sited between two banks is a port of call for managing directors of several companies, local government chairmen, retired generals, government functionaries, prominent men in the society and the middle class.
Having been in the trade for over 40 years, he seems to have established himself with a particular set of customers. “We sew for selected people. It is classy and not expensive. At the same time, we do not want every Tom Dick and Harry. My clients are mainly in their 40s and 50s. You know, the set of people who are highly responsible and value our native attires”, he said.
“We only sew for men. I create my designs. I give each design a number, so when you are coming again, we make sure we do not repeat it. When I do a particular design, I put it under your name. I thank God for one thing. About 80 per cent of customers for the past 20 years are still with me.”
Some of the designs are: long caftan, agbada, danshiki, buba and sokoto. Embroidery and stitches are skillfully incorporated to form unique styles.
“We receive fabrics and sew. We buy for the customer on request. The fabrics we work on are Guinea brocade, wooden, linen, lace, adire and other local fabrics.
With about N25,000 one can get a trendy Guinea brocade. You can buy five yards of the fabric for N18,000. Italian linen costs less than N20,000 while Bankok linen costs N12,000.
The company name Faculus, was coined from his name, Faculude.
Despite the progress of local designs, he noted that the erratic power supply is a major challenge in the trade.
“Power supply is a major impediment. We spend so much on alternative power. It is not helping us. If the government can do something about electricity, Nigeria will grow. If they can just take care of that area, other things will follow.”
Speaking of his sustainability in the business, he said: “I give thanks to God and my clients. They love me and assist me.”
He expressed disappointment at financial institutions saying: “Banks are not helping issues. They do not give loans. The interest rate is too high.”
He gave a piece of advice to shoppers: “Some people do not have taste. The best thing is to look out for a good designer who would clothe you properly.”
