Vogue Celebrates Nigerian Ankara
Posted on Monday, February 16th, 2009 at 8:53 pmBy Bella
It seems like everywhere we turn its ankara, ankara & even more ANKARA.
In Nigeria, it appears that an ankara bomb has exploded! At Weddings, engagements, work, play – For instance, Lagosians are fully garbed in this fabric and loving it! On the runways, ankara was previously limited to collections from Jewel by Lisa and Tae. Now JD7 Couture, Zebra, Tiffany Amber, Odio Mimonet and other many designers are being inspired and creating pieces using this ‘IT’ fabric.
Spreading the net wider, you don’t need to look too far to spot the widespread appeal of the colourful and versatile fabric. Granted other African countries such as Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin Republic and Togo have had a long history of using ankara but now the demand seems frantic. Textile companies such as Vlisco & Woodin are now investing more heavily in promoting their wares than ever before.
Well, the world is watching! Recent collections from various international designers have featured ankara and other African influences. Below is an article by Funmi Odulate which appeared in the February 2009 edition of British Vogue, it explores the cultural history of ankara in Nigeria and its emergence as the fabric of the moment.
Article Source: British Vogue
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Funmi Odulate is a fashion journalist and author of ‘Shopping For Vintage’
Tags: ankara, funmi odulate, jd7, jewel by lisa, Tiffany Amber, vogue, zebra
There’s nothing wrong with the word ‘housegirl’ because the truth is that in Nigeria, domestic servants are called housegirls, houseboys, drivers, etc.
The truth is also that in Nigeria, housegirls and houseboys do frequently wear Ankara, probably more so than their employers who tend to wear Lace and other more expensive fabrics.
The assumption however that before its current trendiness Ankara was only relegated to the domestic staff and illiterates in incorrect. Yes domestic staff wore Ankara more than most, but in general it has always been worn by Nigerians of all strata of society.
why are folks getting mad about the use of illiterates and housegirl?
Ankara is Definately NOT nigerian only, its all of West Africa – Ghana, Ivory coast, senegal etc. They should get their facts straight.
As a well travelled Nigerian, I know that Ankara(Print) has always being in fashion in most parts of Nigerian except Lagos where it was adopted in recent years. I have in the past attended events years ago in other major parts of Nigeria where it was and continues to be used as aso ebi
This is a nicely written piece but I think it would have had more accurate information if it were written by someone who has more recent experience with ankara in Nigeria or if more research was done on what people living in Nigeria think about this “Ankara Revolution”. The words ‘housegirl’ and ‘illiterates’ rubbed me the wrong way too.
LOVE duro olowu’s comments.
Nice article. It is interesting how much is taken for granted that is good in our culture, until the west says it’s good, it becomes in Vogue.
The only comment I have on the language is the use of ‘illiterates’ and ‘housegirl’ seem …otherwise well written article.
the thing is when ppl write about africa or nigeria there’s no really one to correct the misconceptions they make….the ankara yes nigerian/african and its good “back again” or in vogue….but it really didnt anywhere funmi (i guess she’s a lagos gal)…a good research is well rounded and covers all views even if it doesnt agree….ok my point the rich and poor in the north never stopped wearing ankara
???WHAT exactly are you trying to say?your comment makes no sense.
why are some people always so angry ???