The Nation Newspaper

Tag: fabrics

  • Nigerians urged to buy local fabrics

    A leading businessman has advised Nigerians to patronise local fabrics.

    It was at the yearly  Alumium Conference Centre, Lagos.

    The second in its series, the conference sought to create a better platform for young minds in business, using the exchange of ideas to motivate them.

    The Chief Executive Officer, Ruff n Tumble, Mrs Nike Ogunlesi, who gave the advice, spoke of her great passion for making clothes, hats, shoe designs.

    She said the recent introduction of modern adire materials was aimed at keeping our culture. This, she explained, will ensure a better understanding of local ways of dressing.

    Ogunlesi, however, lamented that  most textile companies had collapsed due to lack of maintenance,  low patronage and improper funding, among others. She blamed it all on successive governments, a situation she said had led most Nigerians to buy  used clothes, otherwise known as “Okirika”.

    Mrs Ogunlesi said extile companies were not flourishing like the 80s, hence the need to promote local fabrics to make the business boom.

     

  • Lace that evokes passion

    Lace that evokes passion

    Fabrics, play a great role when it comes to the clothes that we wear. What also makes them exciting is the dexterity of our designers, who have mastered a number of these fabrics to churn out great designs.  Yetunde  Oladeinde takes a look at the lace and its uniqueness.

    FOR a number of brides, the preference is for bold, bright and sassy fabrics. This is because they help to achieve that terrific fashion statement that they have always dreamed about.

    Interestingly, the lace fabric gives a fresh burst of energy and it helps to flatter the overall outlook for the day. If you desire a memorable event, you can make use of a variety of lace fabrics to make the designs of your choice.

    The lace is made of delicate netting or an openwork fabric, patterned with open holes in the work, made by machine or by hand. The holes can be formed via removal of threads or cloth from a previously woven fabric, but; more often, open spaces are created as part of the lace fabric. A true lace is created when a thread is looped, twisted or braided to other threads independently from a backing fabric. Originally, linen, silk, gold, or silver threads were used.

    There are different types of lace and you have a number that are great for bridal outfits. This includes the Guipure lace which has a continuous motif, which creates a denser pattern than with other laces. It is normally quite a firm feeling lace and commonly contains a floral or geometric design.

    One of the earliest types of lace is also sometimes known as Venetian laces are elegant and originally were made exclusively in Northern France. Also known as Alencon lace, they are formed by outlining areas in the lace using a heavier thread or cord, giving these laces a three dimensional look.

    The alluring bridal gown matched with exciting accessories can take you to fantasy island. A great presentation from head to toe will certainly live memories that will linger forever. You should, however, note that whatever fabric or design you choose, it is important to make sure that what you wear is comfortable.

  • Versatile elegance in sheer lace

    Versatile elegance in sheer lace

    GUESS what’s back in vogue after a short time off? Sheer fabrics! These elegant, sexy and sophisticated fabrics have made a sudden and dramatic return to the social scene. As we all know, one of the secrets of a great looking dress is the fabulous design and its distinctive cut.

    Sheer lace fabric has been introduced into fashion over the centuries and these have been revived and reintroduced according to their suitability for the current mode of dress.

    And as you must have noticed, sheer lace dress especially those with fitted design in-between is the must-have dress of the moment. And the good thing is that they are great on both skirts and trousers. These fabulous and unique fabrics are too fantastic to be ignored.

  • Ankara is still hot on the runway!

    Ankara is still hot on the runway!

    WE are in the era of indigenous fabrics, especially ankara and we are going to see more of it either as an entity or mixed with other fabrics. Ankara is still sassily hot on the runway and has become a great leveller a fabric worn by the lowly and the well-to-do.

    The use of ankara prints has been widespread. And the way this new development is changing the face of fashion all over the world is beyond exaggeration.

    Compare to the fashion trend of the 80’s and 90’s, when western fabrics were the order of the day.

    The ankara fabrics that come in diverse patterns, textile, style, designs and hues are the king. They are simply gorgeous and a beauty to behold; they are the popular aso ebi choice at socials and on the runway; and they come in different natty designs, styles and patterns. There are the top, gown, boubou, jacket, camisoles, corset, skirt and trousers suits. Gone are the days of sowing them in mainly boubou and iro and buba styles.

    Who would have thought some years back, that they could be used to sew skirt suits and other formal attires.