The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: Fashion

  • Fashion Is Politics In Disguise And Everyone Is Wearing It

    Fashion Is Politics In Disguise And Everyone Is Wearing It

    By Chidinma Prisca Elebe

    Fashion doesn’t need to hold a press conference or pass a law to make a statement. It shows up on the street, in the courtroom, at the protest and it speaks louder than words. Whether it’s a sharp suit or a slogan tee, clothing is never just clothing. It’s a statement, a strategy, or even a rebellion with a zipper.

    THE AISLES OF A POLITICAL CLOSET

    ⮚Costumes of Power and Authority

    What do judges, military generals, and religious leaders have in common? Uniforms! They wear authority. These regalia are not just pieces of clothing; they are symbolic armor, commanding respect and obedience. They are designed to silence you up before you even ask “am I in trouble?”

    Power loves and wears a well put together outfit. From royal robes to bureaucratic blazers, clothes have long been used to command respect, impose hierarchy, and say “I’m in charge” without vocalizing it. Even elected officials wear carefully curated outfits to look just enough to seem trustworthy. When power walks into a room, it’s usually wearing something heavy with history.

    ⮚Protest has a wardrobe

    Power wears uniforms. Protest wears style. It struts, poses, dares and demands to be seen. Moreso, movements like End SARS, End bad governance, and activisms have leveraged fashion through slogan T-shirts or an all-black attire to express dissent.

    In today’s world, a woman refusing to wear a hijab in certain places, or insisting on wearing one in another place makes a statement louder than any chant.

    Sometimes the most radical thing you can do is dress up.

    ⮚Your Body, Their Rules

    The politics of clothing is basically the politics of the body. Who is allowed to show skin? Who is punished for doing so? Who is invisible no matter what they wear?

    Debates around dress codes, particularly for women, are deeply political. Dress codes in schools, workplaces, and parliaments are rarely neutral. Terms like “professional,” “appropriate,” or “decent” often mask broader ideological biases such as sexist, racist, or classist. In these moments, the body is not a canvas but a battleground. The fight is not for fabric, but for autonomy.

    Fashion may express freedom, but dress codes decide who gets to speak.

    ⮚Culture not Costume 

    Culture isn’t just style, it is history, survival and identity that when stripped of context and sold for trend, becomes costume making what was once sacred simply aesthetic and what was once survival, a theme.

    Wearing something from another culture is not automatically wrong but when a designer profits from Indigenous designs without crediting or collaborating with the communities behind them, it becomes exploitation with a price tag not an inspiration or homage. The line between appreciation and appropriation is thin. When culture is shared with consent, credit, and care, it moves from costume to art which shows respectful exchange that empowers and elevates.

    Cultural pieces are not just fashion seen on runways; it transcends to trade policies, labor laws, and environmental practices shaping what we wear and who pays the price. At the same time, designers from the diasporic communities are reclaiming their narratives redefining what “high fashion” looks like on their own terms.

    ⮚Dressing Up, Waking Up

    Every outfit says something. Even “I don’t care” has a look. Apathy has a silhouette and neutrality has a color palette. You don’t need to be rich, famous, or a policy nerd to engage in politics. Just open your closet and you can see for yourself.

    If anyone ever says “fashion isn’t political,” simply ask, “then why has it started revolutions, enforced laws and been regulated by the government?”

    Fashion doesn’t need your vote. It casts its own.

    Epilogue: Wear What You Mean

    Fashion won’t save the world but it reflects and sometimes changes it. All it takes sometimes is a garment worn boldly, subversively, truthfully. One outfit can say: I resist, I reclaim, I belong. In essence, dress like it matters because it does.

    Clothing doesn’t just cover us, it communicates power, revolt, and possibility.

  • AKWETE: The Thread of Heritage

    AKWETE: The Thread of Heritage

    AKWETE: The Thread of Heritage

    …A Story of Craft, Culture, and Contemporary Elegance from Abia State, Nigeria

    By Chidinma Prisca Elebe

    Akwete fabric is an iconic, beautifully, hand-woven textile named after the town of Akwete in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Originally, it was made using raffia fibers only before evolving to incorporate the use of cotton, wool, rayon and silk threads which results in a textile that is durable, rich in texture, and vibrant.

    It is traditionally woven using vertical or horizontal looms on a shuttle. Compared to mass-produced printed fabrics like Ankara, Akwete is woven one thread at a time, resulting in a durable, richly textured, and deeply symbolic cloth that often tells a story.

    Akwete is not just a fabric. It is heritage in threads woven with meaning, adorned with identity, and passed through generations. Unlike many other traditional crafts, Akwete weaving has always historically been dominated by women. This textile is gaining ground online through Nigerian fashion designers, cultural entrepreneurs, and textile exporters but Akwete has been in existence since the 14th or 15th century and has since been passed down through generations of Ngwa women which is sustained through oral traditions and mother-to-daughter apprenticeship, making Akwete weaving not just a craft, but a rite of passage and a vital part of economic empowerment for women.

    Akwete was originally created for chiefs, warriors, and royalty. As a matrilineal skill, weaving empowers women economically and socially within their communities. At its peak, Akwete cloth was so valuable that neighboring traders and raiders sought it as a prized item for exchange and gifting, making it a valuable item for trade and cultural diplomacy.

    UNIQUE FEATURES OF AKWETE

    Geometric and symbolic motifs (each bearing cultural meaning)

    Bold, bright colors – deep reds, greens, blues, yellows, and ivory

    Reversible quality – both sides of the fabric can be worn

    Textured strength – similar to Yoruba Aso-Oke in feel, but distinctly Igbo in design

    Handmade uniqueness – no two pieces are exactly alike

    SYMBOLISM & CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

    Each Akwete fabric is a personal canvas of the weaver, with designs often improvised or passed down through lineage. Akwete is more than fashion—it’s a visual language.

    Patterns may represent:

    Leopard’s Paw – leadership, power

    Water Waves – peace, continuity, wealth

    Rope Motif – unity, community

    Nsibidi Script ✍ – symbolic writing of the pre-colonial Igbo elite

    Through these motifs, Akwete fabric becomes a woven archive of Igbo history and philosophy.

    USAGE

    • Traditional Usage

    Akwete plays a central role in Igbo cultural life; it can be used during:

    Chieftaincy title taking: Often draped over leaders and elders

    Traditional weddings: Worn by mothers of the bride or cultural dancers

    Funerals and ancestral rites: A sign of respect and status

    Festivals: Featured during New Yam festivals, Ofala, and other Igbo events

    Church and community gatherings: Especially by women’s groups

    It is also used to wrap sacred items, cover altars, and decorate shrines or thrones in traditional institutions.

    • Modern Usage & Global Fashion

    Today, Akwete fabric is making waves in:

    High fashion: Emmy Kasbit and other designers have featured Akwete in Paris and Lagos Fashion Weeks

    Ready-to-wear: Blazers, jumpsuits, kaftans, bags, and even sneakers

    Interior design: Used as upholstery, cushion covers, and decor

    Afro-diaspora styling: Popular among Black communities in the U.S., UK, and Caribbean.

    AVAILABILITY TO THE PUBLIC

    Akwete fabric is accessible and procurable today through local markets (in Akwete town, Aba, Enugu, Umuahia); women’s cooperatives and cultural centers in Abia; online vendors and fashion designers on Instagram, Etsy, or Nigerian e-commerce platforms; cultural fairs; trade shows; and fashion expos.

    Prices vary by size and length of the cloth, thread type used (cotton vs. silk or metallic thread), complexity and number of motifs.

    CHALLENGES & PRESERVATION NEEDS

    Despite its beauty and heritage, Akwete weaving faces serious barrage of challenges such as:

    Aging population of weavers – fewer young people are learning the craft

    Lack of modern weaving tools – looms are still basic and labor-intensive

    Cheap imported textiles – mass-produced prints overshadow handmade fabrics

    Minimal government support – no significant subsidy or promotion at national level

    OPPORTUNITIES FOR REVIVAL

    Akwete has the potential to be a national and international textile icon. Here’s how:

    Fashion schools should incorporate Akwete into their design curriculum

    Apprenticeship and mentorship programs to train the next generation

    Collaborations between local weavers and fashion houses

    Export programs targeting the African diaspora and global art lovers

    Digital promotion through storytelling, influencer marketing, and documentaries

    Akwete is not just a cloth, it is a cultural statement woven in color, strength, and memory that reflects the dignity of Igbo womanhood, the skill of indigenous craftsmanship, and the timelessness of African identity, which should be preserved, worn, promoted and passed down to generations unborn.

    “In every thread of Akwete, there’s a grandmother’s lesson, a community’s pride, and a legacy of craftsmanship.”

  • How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget – Minimalist yet Stylish 

    How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget – Minimalist yet Stylish 

    By Chidinma Prisca Elebe 

    A capsule wardrobe is a minimalist collection of versatile clothing pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to create various outfits, promoting sustainability, practicality, and style while saving time and money. The growing popularity of capsule wardrobes is a response to the clutter caused by fast fashion, and building one is a personal journey that requires careful planning and reflection on individual style and lifestyle needs.

    Here’s how to create a budget-friendly capsule wardrobe that reflects your individual style.

    Step 1: Identify Your Personal Style and Lifestyle Requirements

    Before you start shopping, take some time to evaluate your personal style and daily activities. Ask yourself:

    – What colors and styles do I prefer?

    – What types of occasions do I need outfits for (work, casual outings, special events)?

    – What fabrics and fits make me feel comfortable and confident?

    – Can each piece be paired with multiple items in my wardrobe?

    – Is it easy to care for?

    Step 2: Declutter and Assess Your Current Wardrobe

    A budget-friendly capsule wardrobe starts with what you already have. Begin by sorting through your closet and categorizing your items into:

    – Keep: Pieces you love, wear often, and that fit well.

    – Donate or Sell: Items that no longer match your style or preferences.

    – Repurpose: Clothing that can be tailored or styled in different ways to fit your new wardrobe.

    Step 3: Determine Essential Wardrobe Items

    A well-constructed capsule wardrobe generally includes key, high-quality items that can be styled in multiple ways across different seasons. Here are some essentials to consider:

    a. Tops: This selection should feature a classic button-up shirt, a neutral blouse, a versatile sweater or cardigan, and basic white and black T-shirts.

    b. Bottoms: Include a pair of well-fitting jeans (either blue or black), tailored trousers, and a classic skirt (pencil or A-line).

    c. Outerwear: A fitted blazer, a lightweight jacket (denim or leather), and a warm, neutral coat for colder weather.

    d. Dresses: A little black dress and a casual day dress.

    e. Footwear: Comfortable sneakers, a versatile pair of flats, and a classic pair of heels or ankle boots.

    f. Accessories: A quality handbag in a neutral color, minimalist jewelry, and a belt to add definition to outfits.

    Step 4: Shop Wisely and Stick to a Budget

    Avoid the temptation to buy items you want but don’t need. To shop effectively, practice self-discipline and look for quality items that fit your budget while following your list of wardrobe essentials. Here are some cost-saving strategies:

    – Thrift Stores and Secondhand Shops: You can find many high-quality pieces at thrift stores, consignment shops, or online resale sites if you have a keen eye and a sense of style.

    – Seasonal Sales and Discounts: Take advantage of end-of-season sales, clearance sections, and discount retailers for great bargains.

    – Invest in Versatile Items: Opt for neutral colors and timeless designs that can be easily mixed and matched. Look for pieces that are durable and adaptable to various seasons and weather conditions, regardless of your location.

    Step 5: Mix, Match, and Style Creatively

    A capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to result in dull outfits. Play around with layering, accessorizing, and different styling methods to keep your looks lively and interesting. Here are some useful styling tips:

    – Layer shirts under sweaters or blazers for a refined look.

    – Combine casual and formal items to achieve a stylish balance.

    – Experiment with scarves, jewelry, and handbags to add a personal touch to your style.

    Step 6: Keep Your Wardrobe Updated Over Time

    Creating a capsule wardrobe on a budget is all about intentional shopping, versatility, and sustainability. By focusing on high-quality essentials and smart shopping strategies, you can build a minimalist yet stylish wardrobe that saves you money, reduces clutter, and enhances your personal style. With the right approach, you’ll never have to say, “I have nothing to wear” again!

    For reference on how to accessorize, mix and match outfits, check out some of our previous articles.

    https://pacesetterfrontier.com/post/1854/how-to-accessorize-your-outfi

    https://pacesetterfrontier.com/post/10862/how-to-mix-and-match-colours

     

  • Fashion and Technology – Where Tech Meets Fashion

    Fashion and Technology – Where Tech Meets Fashion

    By Chidinma Prisca Elebe 

    The fusion of fashion and technology, often referred to as ‘fashion technology,’ has proven to be a resounding success, exemplifying their harmonious partnership in the realm of science and technology. Considering that technology has revolutionized various facets of our lives, from healthcare to education to transportation and security, it is only natural to expect it to bring enhancements to the field of fashion as well. 

    Fashion design used to be a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. It demanded arduous and hard-handed efforts from humans. However, in the present day, fashion has experienced significant advancements due to the integration of technology within the industry.

    Numerous startups have harnessed this transformative trend, resulting in a significant expansion of the fashion landscape. Technology has played a pivotal role in multiple facets of the fashion industry, encompassing manufacturing, material sourcing, design, retail, and transportation.

    This article was inspired by the fact that the term “tech’ in Nigeria, often implies a focus on data science and analytics while our peers in the industry have established an entire value chain centered around fashion technology, thereby creating abundant opportunities for individuals who possess these requisite skills. Here are some key aspects of the intersection between fashion and technology:

    DESIGN/ CREATIVITY

    • Smart fabrics/wearable technology: One prominent intersection of fashion and technology lies in the realm of smart textiles, where fabrics are engineered to possess specific functionalities such as temperature regulation and vital sign monitoring or change color based on various factors. Notably, Apple has introduced stylish and innovative wearable technology that has garnered widespread global acclaim for its life-enhancing features. The applications of smart textiles are diverse, ranging from biometric-tracking sportswear to medical garments that monitor patients’ well-being. Additionally, wearable technology has become a leading trend in the fashion industry, with smart watches and fitness trackers becoming almost ubiquitous. Furthermore, designers are actively exploring novel approaches to infuse technology into clothing and accessories, exemplified by experiments with LED lighting and 3D printing to craft cutting-edge and futuristic fashion pieces. These devices not only serve functional purposes but also incorporate fashion elements to make them more appealing to consumers.
    • 3D Printing: 3D printing technology has been used to create unique and customizable fashion items, including clothing, accessories, and even shoes. It allows designers to experiment with intricate and unconventional designs.
    • Virtual and Augmented Reality: Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have been used for virtual fashion showrooms, allowing customers to try on clothes virtually and experience fashion in new ways.

     

    SPEED AND EFFICIENCY 

    The era of laborious and slow-paced fashion design is now an old tale. Technology has wholesomely empowered the fashion sector to achieve greater speed and efficiency across the entire spectrum, covering design, production, and distribution. For instance, automated cutting machines and robotic sewing systems excel in delivering garments with swifter and more consistent results compared to conventional methods. CAD software, 3D printing, and automation have collectively paved the way for a streamlined design and manufacturing process.

    SUSTAINABILITY

    Cutting-edge technologies have enabled the creation of eco-friendly garments by incorporating recycled materials and minimizing waste. For instance, digital printing methods reduce water consumption and waste when contrasted with traditional dyeing processes and 3D printing also facilitates the design of garments with minimal fabric wastage.

    1. Customization: Technology has enabled the mass production of customized apparel. Progress in 3D printing and computerized knitting has paved the way for the creation of tailored garments featuring distinctive designs, fits, and color schemes. Furthermore, 3D rendering software empowers designers to generate digital prototypes of clothing, offering a preview of what the outfit may look like and how it would fit before it is physically produced. This not only minimizes waste but also saves time and costs.
    2. Online Retail: The ascent of e-commerce has revolutionized the fashion shopping experience for consumers. Online shopping has simplified the process of browsing and acquiring products, offering convenience and accessibility at any hour from anywhere. Simultaneously, it has empowered fashion brands to broaden their reach and enhance the efficiency of product sales. Online platforms serve as valuable marketplaces, affording designers a direct avenue to present their creations to consumers. 
    3. Social Media and Influencers: Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become instrumental in shaping fashion trends and promoting brands. Influencers play a crucial role in endorsing products and styles causing producers/designers to leverage on influencer marketing and user-generated content to build brand awareness and connect with consumers.

     

    ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

    • Supply Chain Management: Software and data analytics help manage the supply chain, making it more efficient, transparent, and responsive to demand. It is also used to better understand consumer preferences and trends, optimize inventory management, and offer personalized shopping experiences.
    • Block-chain: This enhances authentication and transparency in the fashion supply chain, particularly in the luxury sector, to authenticate products and combat counterfeiting.
    • Robotics and Automation: Automation is being used in clothing manufacturing, particularly for repetitive and labor-intensive tasks. Robots are helping to increase efficiency and reduce production costs.
    • Biometrics and Personalization: Some brands are experimenting with biometric data to create custom-fit clothing and offer personalized fashion recommendations.
    • AI Styling Assistants: AI-powered styling assistants can recommend complete outfits based on individual preferences, helping customers put together stylish ensembles.
    • AR Beauty and Makeup Try-On: In addition to clothing, augmented reality is used for virtual beauty try-on experiences, allowing customers to experiment with makeup and cosmetics virtually.
    • Fashion Forecasting: AI and data analysis are used to predict fashion trends, which helps designers and retailers stay ahead of consumer preferences.
    • Fashion Accessibility: Technology plays a crucial role in making fashion more accessible to individuals with disabilities, with innovations like adaptive clothing and inclusive design.
    • Fashion Tech Events: Various events and conferences, such as the Met Gala and CES (Consumer Electronics Show), showcase the latest fashion-tech collaborations and innovations.

    THE DOWNSIDE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE FASHION WORLD

    1. Overproduction and Fast Fashion: Technology accelerates production, leading to overproduction and the rise of fast fashion, causing environmental and labor exploitation issues.
    2. Environmental Impact: Despite enabling sustainable practices, technology can contribute to environmental problems, especially in the production of electronic textiles.
    3. Privacy Concerns and Security Risks: E-commerce platforms and databases can be vulnerable to data breaches, risking sensitive customer information. Collecting customer data for personalized marketing raises privacy concerns about data collection by fashion brands and tech companies.
    4. Counterfeiting: While technology helps authenticate products, it can also be used by counterfeiters to produce convincing fake fashion items.
    5. Digital Divide: Not everyone has equal access to technology, leading to disparities in fashion trends and e-commerce access.
    6. Dependency on Trends: Rapid trend changes driven by technology can pressure consumers to constantly update their wardrobes, contributing to disposable fashion.
    7. Digital Fatigue: Constant exposure to fashion content online can lead to digital fatigue and body image dissatisfaction, impacting mental health.

    The fashion industry continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more exciting developments in the world of fashion and technology. While technology offers solutions and has brought numerous advantages to the fashion industry, it also poses ethical, environmental, and societal challenges. Fashion brands and tech companies must address these issues for a more sustainable and inclusive fashion-tech ecosystem.

  • E-Business in Nigeria (What is obtainable)

    E-Business in Nigeria (What is obtainable)

    By Chidinma Prisca Elebe

    The latest trend in commerce is the ability to do business online. Online business commonly known as e-commerce has revolutionized the way businesses are done in reality. Companies also now provide various options such as flexible payment options, ease of doing business through smart search and prompt consumer support and above all doorstep delivery across the globe.

    Since the pandemic, a lot has changed in the business world and e-commerce has been at its peak. The lockdown helped so many online businesses thrive beyond expectation and imagination. Take Netflix and Amazon as a case study; they had over 7% percent increases in revenue. And in recent times, a lot of businesses have joined this progressive development. People’s need for goods and services is a constant part of life and gone are the days of endless strolling on the aisles of supermarkets searching for items you need as the same goal can be achieved just by scrolling through website pages and online stores.

    The pandemic also ushered in the time of the freelancers- individuals that provide their services to clients remotely. All these were made possible through the automated and flexible payment options provided by these platforms.

    Companies like Amazon, Alibaba and Walmart have dominated a large chunk of the e-commerce space especially as they are mostly the pioneers of this innovation.

    Several businesses can be done online but basically in three major forms; these are

    Business to Business (B2B): This model describes business transactions between two businesses. This can be observed between a manufacturer and a wholesaler;

    (b.) Business to Consumer (B2C): This happens when a business has a direct transaction with individuals/ consumers. Jumia and Netflix are good examples of this.

    (c.) Consumer to Consumer (C2C): This can be seen on platforms like Jiji and Ebay where consumers transact with other consumers to provide a service.

    E-commerce has provided business growth and a lot of opportunities for the society in general. The use of websites, automated tools and payment options have provided opportunities for our tech companies. UI/UX designers, front end and back end developers can offer their services via e-commerce. E-commerce also stimulated growth in other sectors such as packaging, branding and logistics.

    In Nigeria, companies like Jumia and Konga pioneered the online business ushering in a new market that has thrived over the years. Jumia has grown to be among the biggest companies offering online transactions. Jumia was founded in 2012 and in 2016, Jumia was valued at a whooping sum of 1 billion US dollars and this unprecedented growth was achieved by providing online solutions to millions of Africans.

    Presently, Nigerians have adopted e-commerce for almost everything for both returning and potential customers. Nigerians can be resourceful when it comes to things like this. People now use their social media accounts to promote and represent their brands. Below are some practices commonly observed in Nigerian e-commerce/online space.

    ‘WHAT YOU ORDERED vs. WHAT YOU GOT’

    This is a colloquialism among Nigerians and has become the subject of various memes, jokes and online banters. It is now common practice to go to an e-commerce website or social media posts of various service providers including dropshippers , choose a particular item only to be supplied an inferior, dud or entirely different thing from what you ordered. Most online vendors are guilty of this practice, making it difficult for genuine suppliers out there to render services or provide goods.

    The quest to make quick cash without considering sustainability and customer satisfaction has overshadowed the reasoning of many online vendors. People steal pictures of high quality items and display on their websites/accounts but will supply a dud. Some vendors intentionally mislead people just to get traffic on their pages while also swindling consumers of their hard earned money.

    Service providers are not left out as some of them provide shoddy services because why would anyone claim to be a professional, charge a high rate in that regard and show gross incompetence when their acclaimed services are requested by clients?

    EXORBITANT PRICES 

    Some online stores/platforms and dropshippers always try to sell their wares at an unreasonably high price. Take some thrift business as an example; some can sell a piece of clothing purchased less than a thousand naira for as high as 6000 naira online to unsuspecting customers or should we term them victims? Mind you, this person may have no physical shop or pay utility bills for this business but may likely charge higher than someone with a walk-in store. This is rather a rip off than being smart in your business. Hair and clothing vendors take the hat for this as midrange (synthetic, blends, lower grade) wigs can be sold for the same price as high quality hairs.

    THE PROMO/ SALES SCAM 

    These unending promos and discount sales; “50/70% off, valentine sale, mother’s day sales, Easter promo, Christmas promo” have become the new cash cow for most online vendors and it seems to attract many unsuspecting individuals who think that they are buying something at a cheaper rate than what the actual price would have been without knowing that there was no actual reduction in the prices and there is also a possibility that the displayed prices are actually even higher than usual. Except if you know the previous price of a good or service, you cannot really determine if there was a price slash or not.

    INFLUENCERS AND CLASSISM

    Online business has degenerated into classism and ostentatious display of wealth. Popular faces and influencers have joined in promoting various brands making it look like you are at a loss if you are not using their products or buying from them even when these products are possibly overpriced or substandard. The mind is amazing because what they do is to continuously flash these products and services to their followers, fans and admirers who fall prey to their antics and purchase products they do not need or that can be a potential harm to them. A celebrity once claimed that she sells pap that aids in weight lose and others have also advertised one for weight gain. Then there’s the need to use the “three cameras phone” and look smug as android phones have become an avenue to “broke shame” people who do not have an iOS device. This goes on to show how uninformed many people have become because there are android devices highly priced over some iphone devices.

    FRAUDSTERS, E-HOOK UP AND KILLERS

    Fraudsters have infiltrated e-business platforms as an avenue to carry out their abominable crimes by prying on vendors, logistic companies and consumers to either defraud them of their goods and services or their money.

    Some ‘vendors’ never supply the products/services paid for while some ‘customers’ present fake evidence of payment. Back in the day when online businesses were still picking up, some e-businesses offered payment on delivery options in order to gain the trust of their potential clients and garner a customer base until goods got stolen, people started to disappear and got killed. A couple once ordered for an iphone and ended up murdering the messenger/delivery person. Recently, a dropshipper died in a hotel where she went to deliver her wares though the cause of her death remains sketchy and presumptive. These heinous crimes are cause for concern which has grossly affected online business dealings between consumers and vendors. Some vendors also capitalize on payment before delivery to send out inferior goods to their customers.

    On e-hook up, a chat leaked online some time ago with claims of a supposed cake vendor who was offering delivery options which could include spending the night with her supposed client if he would want her to stay the night and several other stories in that regard.

    E-commerce has come to stay in Nigeria and if done well with little to no hassles, a hitch free business environment will be created. People need to desist from the character of trying to cheat people out of their hard earned money every time.

    Businesses should be solidly built on transparency, fidelity and quality. E-commerce presents an exciting future for us all and we should take advantage of this. For now, as we are yet to get there, let us tread and trade carefully and also patronize only trusted and confirmed vendors for goods and services.

  • Traditional Attires in Nigeria

    Traditional Attires in Nigeria

    By Chidinma Prisca Elebe 

    Decades ago, people had always worn outfits trending in the western world especially with the influence of colonization. The elites that first received formal education with their ties and suites were the envy of everyone because of their exotic outfits and everyone followed the trend. This became popular leaving an impression on the younger generation. Various workplaces and schools adopted and accepted these western outfits as their official mode of dressing. The recent increase in globalization has also led to cultural integration and evolution making us to prefer other people’s indigenous attires to our own.
    Recently, there has been a cultural awareness especially with the media promoting our culture, although it can also be attributed to the use of better cameras and ingenious styling of the traditional fabric making it to look more appealing and attractive. Another reason might be the modeling of these outfits by celebrities and prominent members of the society. Truth be told, there is no one else in a better position to promote our culture than us.

    In Nigeria, we have various kinds of traditional outfits that show the richness in our culture but the appeal of these outfits starts from our sense of fashion and style to the fabrics these outfits are made from. These traditional outfits can be made with the Abada/Ankara fabric (the most popular African textile) or a traditional lace, tie and dye (tie-die) in the North, the stripped monochrome in Benue i.e. North-central, the white top and George from the South-south, Ashoke/Asoke from the South-west etc.

    Many types of traditional attires are worn for various occasions and can also reveal the identity (tribe, culture, country) of the person clad in them.

    SOME POPULAR TRADITIONAL WEARS IN NIGERIA

    Agbada: A lot of people believe that the agbada attire can be traced to the Yoruba culture but it has been said to have also originated from the trading groups such as the Berbers, Tuaregs due the trans-Saharan trade. The loose fitting and voluminous attire was ideal for riding horses and serves as protection from the elements. It wasn’t long before the attire became a status symbol especially among the nobles. The agbada attire is common to various African countries such as Mauritania, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, etc. It can be made from heavy fabrics such as the Northern weave (Aso Oke) or lighter materials like cotton. In Nigeria, the Hausa tribe also calls it “babariga” and it is presently worn by different people cutting across tribes and culture. The agbada attire is a four piece clothing made up of the following:

    Awosoke: The outer part that is free flowing usually reaching the ankle or knee, sometimes people opt for the waist length with rectangular embroidery in front.

    Awotele: The under shirt with a loose fitting worn under the awosoke. This shirt can be long sleeves or short sleeves although a lot of people prefer the long sleeve nowadays.

    Sokoto/ Shokoto: This is the trousers/ pants of the outfit which is worn without a belt because the waist is usually secured by a draw-string. The trouser can be loose fitting or tight depending on the preference of the wearer.

    Fila: This is the cap or head gear used to complete the agbada ensemble. There are different kinds of cap such as the abetiaja, the gobi, the hat with flaps at both sides and a round hat.

    This outfit has evolved so much that even the female folks wear them too. Besides the rich embroidery it is adorned with, it can also be accessorized with traditional caps, beads, shoes and staff. Agbada can be a striking attire when worn with style, it represents the African greatness and diversity.

    Ishiagu: This is pure Igbo attire worn by traditional rulers and sometimes their Lolo (spouses). The fabric was also initially associated with status symbol because it was worn by accomplished Igbo men. This outfit is usually made from a heavy suede material with lion heads patterned all over the fabric. It can be styled using rich culture beads, staff, offor, hand fan and variety of caps (the red or the striped cap) for the men. It can be worn over a trouser or wrapper as the case maybe. This attire exudes confidence, strength and pride just like the lion imprinted on the fabric.

    Aso Oke: This is mostly found among the Yoruba tribe. The fabric is usually hand woven and worn by wealthy people. This can be observed from the translation of its name “top cloth” meaning cloth of high status. It can be used to make different outfits ranging from tops (buba), wrapper (iro), baggy trousers, agbada and headgear (gele). This fabric is so rich that it has become a popular fashion piece among Nigerian ladies in general.

    Gele: This is a type of headgear usually worn by ladies as a large headscarf/headtie. It is worn by women across western and Southern Africa. Yoruba ladies also use it across the shoulder as part of their style. It is an elaborate fashion accessory targeted at making statement by women in ceremonies especially in Nigeria. They are worn to church services, wedding ceremonies, naming ceremonies, funerals, chieftaincy celebrations and other festivals. They cover the head and sometimes, the ears are tucked under with just the face and earrings showing.

    Etibo: This traditional attire is predominant in the southern part of Nigeria especially the Niger-Delta. The former Nigerian head of state, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan made this attire very popular during his tenure as the president. This attire originally comprises of a white shirt worn over a wrapper but in recent times, people wear them over a pair of trousers. Etibo is no longer restricted to just a white traditional top. It has metamorphosed into a variety of colors too. Women wear them as just gowns or skirt or over trousers/ shorts/ leggings. It is styled using accessories like jewelries, cufflinks, staff, walking stick, hats or caps, shoes, sandals, neck and hand beads etc. This outfit is quite trendy and popular among Nigerian men and can be made from varieties of fabrics such as cashmere, cotton or Ankara etc.

    This outfit makes every Nigerian man glamorous and brings out every ounce of masculinity worthy of admiration.

    THE BENUE MONOCHROME ATTIRES: The most popular outfit of the Benue people is the black and white monochrome of the Tiv tribe but there are also other beautiful varieties of this monochrome attires ranging from the blue and black of the Igede tribe to the red/ox blood and black for the Idoma tribe respectively. These attires showcase the uniqueness and diversity of Benue State.

    MUDUKARE: This is a beautiful white outfit designed with red, blue and green embroidery although there are other variations now. It is typically made into a sleeveless top and worn over a wrapper or trouser. It is also accompanied by beads and bracelets and a headgear. It is worn by the Fulani tribe from the northern part of Nigeria, Senegal, guinea etc. A Fulani bride always dazzles in the mudukare attire owing to the vibrant colours and radiating beauty.

    THE ANKARA FABRIC/ PRINT: The Abada/Ankara fabric is a versatile material that represents Africa at large but various prints depict different countries and their style. Bringing it home to Nigeria, this fabric can be used to make different styles of outfits ranging from the simple to the luxurious which can be worn in official settings, wedding ceremonies, funerals, schools and as casual wears too.

    We can take home a few lessons from this eye opening piece.

    Nigeria is made up of diverse ethnic groups and highly multicultural. Some states have more than one ethnic groups and subgroups.

    The dynamic nature of traditions and culture also contributes to changes in fashion and attires that are culturally acceptable i.e. in years to come, traditional attires might be different from the current trend.

    These attires are rich, colorful and symbolize our African heritage.
    Our choice of traditional attires were influenced by our early contact with the Europeans (e.g the etibo) and interactions with other tribes (e.g the agbada from the trans-saharan/sahelian traders).

    Finally, these traditional attires have become popular and can be worn by people of different class, age and gender. Traditional attire showcases the richness of our diverse culture. It can also serve as a form of cultural identity or fashion statement. However, the dexterity and sense of style by Nigerian fashion designers have given more life and appeal to traditional attire.

    It is quite important and gracious to wear any of these attires and improve its effect on the economy by patronizing our own, having an effect on the chain of distribution from the fabric vendors to the tailors/ designers/ stylists.

    Nigeria is a country rich in cultural diversity and the above listed attires are just a few that have found its way into the mainstream media. Our traditional wears are quite numerous and cannot be exhausted in one sitting.

    Be proud of your heritage and look the part!

  • How to Mix and Match Colours

    How to Mix and Match Colours

    By Chidinma Prisca Elebe

    If you are in the category of persons that are scared to buy colourful clothes, or you are among those who only fill their wardrobe with neutral colours, then I am here to tell you that you can do better and you have absolutely nothing to be scared of, or anything to be skeptical about! You can still stand out and turn heads with those daring colours, and your choice off combination can go a long way to save the day. And yes, you can still slay on a budget.

    Now lets dive into it.

    There are a few things that can guide the choice of colours you choose to wear on a good day. For me, it ranges from my skin shade, the weather, the occasion I am dressing up for and my mood (yeah, it pretty much works like that).

    Colour combinations for your outfit is more of a science (not rocket science anyway) due to a key component known as the colour wheel.

    The colour wheel was invented by Sir Isaac Newton when he passed visible light through a glass prism. These colours that were observed are represented in a circle and this colour wheel is universal with anything that has to do with colours ranging from artists to fashion designers; it serves as a reliable colour guideline. The colours in the wheel can be categorized as follows:

    PRIMARY COLOURS: In this group we have yellow, red and blue. These are the root colours, hence the title primary which means that other colours come from the primary colours and no two colours when mixed together can give rise to these colours.

    SECONDARY COLOURS: These colours are derived by mixing the primary colours, e.g. a combination of red and yellow gives orange, white and red gives pink etc.

    TERTIARY COLOURS: The colours in this group can be realized by a combination of primary and secondary colours. Colours like aqua and mint colours are found here.

    In order to make colours blend properly when combining an outfit, we can use the principles behind the colour wheel. It can help you play with colours that are bold and get away with it while appearing dashing.

    COMPLEMENTARY COLOURS 

    Colours that are opposite each other in the colour wheel can be combined, e.g. blue and orange. These colours can contrast each other as orange will appear brighter when combined with blue. It is necessary to ensure that one colour dominates the other, i.e. you can match it with your accessories. It takes confidence to pull off these bold colour combination and trust me, it is totally worth the risk.

    ANALOGOUS COLOURS 

    This involves combining colours that are close to each other in the colour wheel. These combinations are perfectly suitable because they blend seamlessly and can be eye catching and stylish when properly put together. For example, blue + a lighter shade of blue, also bear in mind that one colour will definitely dominate the other for this to work properly.

    MONOCHROMATIC COLOURS

    Monochrome outfits have always been trendy because of its uniqueness and style. It involves combining darker and lighter hues of a particular colour. For example, the regular black and white- this colour combination is both classy and simple to pull off. In addition, when you are still not too confident about wearing various colours (especially bold colours), you can cautiously combine neutral shades with other colours such as gray, ash, khaki, white and black with their various shades as they can practically go with any colour.

    Other factors that can affect your choice of colours may include:

    SKIN TONE: Remember your skin tone can greatly affect the colours you wear e.g. fair people can easily pull off darker colours while dark people can wear brighter colours.

    OCCASION/EVENT: The occasion can also dictate what you wear. You don’t want to appear for a funeral wearing a pitchy pink or neon lemon because it would seem a bit out of place.

    WEATHER: Now this is a very vital factor especially for those of us from the tropics (Oh, that sun!). You don’t want to wear a very dark colour under the scorching sun because the heat gets more drawn to you than it would to a person who is putting on a bright colour on a sunny day. And my dear, we know you don’t want all that heat/ sweat dripping all over you.

    Note that these criteria are not exhaustive and with all that said, style is key! How you choose to rock your outfit pretty much says a lot about you, it’s all about expressing yourself. You can always wear whatever colour you like or feel comfortable in but be mindful to the need to combine correctly.

  • The Right Way to Wear Your Fragrance

    The Right Way to Wear Your Fragrance

    By Chidinma Prisca Elebe 

    Perfumes make up an essential part of our beauty routine and it’s one of the last things we add to complete our look before we step out for the day’s job or an appointment.

    Wearing a perfume should not be done with levity but with some skill and finesse to preserve the integrity of your scent.

    Why do we wear perfumes? Why is it necessary to wear perfumes or use a deodorant or body mist/body spray? This simple question can generate a lot of answers from various individuals but we basically wear perfumes for the same reason we wear clothes – confidence. Perfumes can make you feel great about yourself and nobody wants to smell all sweaty and offensive. The same way our clothes portray our personality is exactly the same way our perfumes reveal the kind of persons we are. Sometimes after a clean ensemble, looking all nice and gorgeous, when you pass a person, they tune their senses for what follows afterwards –your scent. I dare say your scent defines you in some way.

    There are certain factors to bear in mind when putting on a fragrance like; the right points to spray, the amount to be sprayed, the type of fragrance to be worn, where they should be worn to and your personality.

    The Right Points to Spray: Fragrances sit better on the warmest parts of the skin which are mostly the pulse points. These points include inside the wrists, chest/cleavage, base of the throat, inside the elbows, armpits, midriff, behind the earlobes and knees, even on the ankles surprisingly. These are areas where our veins sit closest to the skin surface.

    Ideally, when you use designer perfumes like Chanel, Dior, Tom Ford and the likes of them (other skin friendly perfumes), they can be sprayed directly on the skin. The only challenge with these kinds of fragrances is that they are quite expensive. The skin has a high affinity for oils and this attribute makes the skin an ideal binding channel for oils in perfumes. Please do not try to rub in perfumes after spritzing them to your skin; that way you break the molecules and make the scent dissipate faster. The warm nature of the skin helps diffuse the scent over time. I know by now you could be wondering if it is really safe as stated earlier to spray perfumes directly on your skin, and the answer is yes, but because perfumes that are easily available and affordable around here (Nigeria) are highly concentrated and harsh when they come in contact with the skin, creating a burning sensation or a sting for a moment, we can opt to spray from a distance or on to fabrics if that makes us feel safer.

    Besides, fabrics hold perfumes a little longer like the skin and that’s why we still perceive some scents even after laundry.

    The Right Amount: Okay! This is where we say “less is more”. There is no reason to be fully drenched in a whole bottle of perfume. Your perfume should attract people and flatter their sense of smell not the other way round. Your scent should rather be enjoyed and not offend people. It is offensive to use excessive perfume. It is also normal to check the container of the perfume you want to buy, check the concentration of the perfume, for example, body sprays have lower concentration than perfumes.

    Check whether you are buying ‘Eau de Parfum’ or ‘Eau de Toilette’. The concentration (heavy/light) of the sprays should be used as a guide on how best to wear them. For Eau de Cologne or Eau de Toilette (these are light and refreshing fragrances which are relatively cheap), use 3-4 sprays but for Eau de Parfum or Perfume or Extrait de Parfum (these are intense and heavy scents which are more expensive and last longer), use 1-2 sprays.

    Let us also bear it in mind that there are people around us with certain allergies and you don’t want to keep making people around you sneeze. When you spray excessive perfumes, you can also distract people from paying attention to your person. Specifically, wear a less saturated fragrance when going to a work place or for an interview so that your personality and skills will be the focus not your fragrance.

    The Right Way: Perfumes are better worn after a bath, best over a body lotion or a petroleum jelly to help preserve the scent and hold it from sinking into the skin pores. Perfumes can be used over body a lotion, that is immediately after applying your body lotion on the skin, perfumes can be sprayed for better attachment. A moisturized skin keeps the bouquet longer so it’s best to spray perfumes the moment you finish having a bath because your body is warm especially after a warm bath. This advice goes before saying that you shouldn’t use perfumes to cover bad odour. In a case of highly concentrated or harsh perfume, spray from about 5-8 inches away from the skin to avoid burning and any form of discomfort. This can also be applied when spraying on to jewelries or fabrics so that they do not get damaged by discoloration. Avoid applying oil based perfumes directly on your clothes because it can leave unpleasant stains behind but apply rather to the skin. Perfumes sprayed on dry skins are rather short lived. The lotion or petroleum jelly or body oil should be unscented or mildly scented so that it doesn’t interact badly with your perfume.

    Also use a less scented deodorant with your perfume so that they don’t give out a weird mix of fragrance. It is also nice to consider the fragrance of your body lotion when using perfumes because sometimes you might be using a body cream with a fragrance that can greatly prevent the full expression of your perfume. A clear example is shea-butter (okuma/ ori), when you are using unrefined shea-butter, you might have to consider a stronger perfume because of its unique smell.

    Classes of Fragrances
    There are different kinds of fragrances available but people choose the ones they prefer and connect with. Two individuals might not love the same fragrance because of the way they each feel about it. The human sense of smell is amazing and that’s why perfumes affect us on a psychological and physical level. It is said that Queen Cleopatra normally walks across a room filled with rose petals so the floral scent clings to her body in preparation to meet the King.

    A pleasant- and sweet-smelling perfume can evoke feelings of happiness in people. The use of perfume is a form of self expression; it shows who you are because some fragrances differentiate a person from another.

    Fragrances commonly found in perfumes include:

    Fresh: Perfumes with fresh fragrances contain notes of fresh/green fruits such as citrus, lemon, pineapple etc
    Floral: Perfumes in this category are blends of flowers such as rose, jasmine, violet, lily and lavender. These set of perfumes can be alluring and seductive. They envelope the person wearing them in the light sweetness

    Oriental: These perfumes are believed to originate from places far away than we can imagine. They have exotic fragrances and the most common fragrance in this category is cinnamon, vanilla and spices. These scents are common among the people that dare to be different.

    Creating a Signature Scent

    You can also create a signature scent for yourself by layering/mixing different fragrances that can complement each other – light and heavy (for example a regular body spray and a perfume).

    There is no reason that you cannot layer or mix two fragrances to achieve a unique scent because when you use one perfume over a long time you become too accustomed to the scent and will be tempted to spray more than required.

    Preservation Tips

    Perfumes should be stored away from the reach of sunlight, light, bathrooms, damp environments and away from places that are hot.

    They can be stored in the boxes they came in or in darker places for better preservation.

    My two cents: If you sweat too much, don’t forget to purchase an anti-perspirant and wear darker or neutral colours to hide the sweat.

  • HAIR (My Hair, My Identity)

    HAIR (My Hair, My Identity)

    By Chidinma Prisca Elebe

    A person’s hair is an extension of who they are. It represents personality, tribe, religion, beliefs, ideals and profession. Possessing hair or the lack of it is still a form of identity. There is a distinctive quality to our hairstyles that can be used to characterize a particular person. For example, you cannot compare the strong, kinky, coily black hair of a black man or woman with the curly/straight, soft, sometimes red/blonde/brunette shiny hair of a white man or woman (Caucasian). It can be used as a form of racial classification just like skin colour. African hair has fascinated other races because of its unique oily texture yet it becomes dry at the tips when oil is not applied. You might be surprised that African hair is not the strongest hair. Yes! Asians have the strongest hair type.

    You might be wondering why the fuss about hair but it doesn’t hurt to garner new knowledge about something so random like the hair. This can help do away with misconceptions, myths and abuse related to hair especially as Africans. The Nazarites for instance are required to wear their hair long without cutting. In the Holy book, Samson the Nazarite was consencrated by God and his hair was not to be cut short for any reason, we know the rest of that story. Hair signifies strength and fertility in many cultures while baldness might be associated with sterility.

    HAIR AS A PERSONALITY

    I remember getting a haircut at some point when I was much younger because a relaxer had badly damaged my scalp because of its tenderness; it was just heartbreaking seeing my once long beautiful hair was lying right there on the floor. This is not to say that our whole confidence and beauty should be attached to our hair or a part of our body, it should also come from the inside. This is just to show that our hair can affect our self esteem, pride and self-respect as individuals. Shaving your hair can symbolize a lot of things from being a hairstyle of choice to it symbolizing mourning/ punishment, rite of passage in some cultures. In some sports like swimming and track athletes, it’s advisable to keep the hair short. People can also be bald intentionally to improve performance. Similarly, in the military, it is required you wear short hair as a matter of discipline and practicality.

    Have you ever seen an aged man or woman with intermixed grey and black hair? Is it the same with a youngster that dyed his or her hair? I don’t think so. Your hair invariably shows how you want people to see you and think of you and essentially who you are. Have you ever seen a banker with dreadlocks? In this part of this world, people judge a person based on their looks. As a matter of fact, prejudice can arise because of a particular hairstyle. Hair can show your values and moral standing. Certain religions are required to carry certain hairstyles for various reasons.

    The manner in which you wear your hair can show your level of confidence. I know people that can never cut their hair because they feel the shape of their head is not so nice or they have difficulty growing their hair back as they think while some people do not even want stress and prefer to carry theirs short. Thus, the saying different strokes for different folks.

    HAIR AS EXPRESSION

    People in the arts have been observed to wear certain hairstyles which could be a signature. It is not surprising to see musical artists, actors and visual artists carrying uncommon hairstyles. This could be a form of expression just like ART. Footballers and tech guys are not left out from these unusual hairstyles. Our hairstyle is a way we express ourselves, our ideals and beliefs. Chimamanda Adichie and Lupita Nyongo as a case study have successfully spear headed African natural hair movement, propagating that a black woman’s hair is rich and beautiful even with its diverse texture. It is obvious black people lost their identity somewhere down the line over the years. The use of various harsh chemicals, heat application (hot combing and stretching) to the hair regularly have made us believe we can be anything but ourselves. I want to categorically say that there is nothing like bad hair. There can be a bad hairstyle or haircut but not a bad hair. I have heard people say my hair is just too strong or stubborn which they equate to being less desirable, this doesn’t still make a person’s hair bad.

    TIPS AND GUIDELINES FOR MAINTAINING GOOD HAIR AND HAIRSTYLE

    Hair like our height or complexion is part of our genetical make up. Below are a few tips to improve your hair health and choice of style.

    • Eat healthy by incorporating vegetables, fruits and drink lots of water for healthy hair growth. Even with the use of good hair care products, this goes a long way to help your hair look and feel great. Note that healthy hair is not just measured in hair length but in the texture, colour and fullness.
    • Use less heat and harsh chemicals on your hair.
    • Use essential oils on your hair.
    • Use a suitable comb or hair brush (preferably, wide tooth comb).
    • Wash your hair as often.
    • Take your own hair kit along with you to the salon (combs, brushes, clippers etc)
    • Do not copy another person’s hairstyle because you might not know the idea and belief behind their hair style and it may not be suitable for your personality or person as well.
    • Before making certain hairstyles, consider your career and profession. Is it permissible, appropriate or suitable?
    • Do not judge people solely based on their hairstyle because a person represents much more than their hair and wearing certain hairstyle does not make one incompetent or useless. Also, a person’s hairstyle does not reflect their worth.
    • Some cultures can be identified by their hairstyle; for example Himba women from Namibia or Fulani women.
  • How to maintain and take care of your clothes

    How to maintain and take care of your clothes

    By Chidinma Prisca Elebe 

    It is no news that certain people have decided to make the life of their fellow humans miserable by being vessels of foul smell. I mean, how can someone smell so bad as early as 7am in the morning on a bus? Did you not shower or have you worn those set of clothes again without washing them? Phew! I am here to help give you tips on how to take proper care of your clothes. I believe our clothes are valuable possessions and that’s why we use them daily.

    Odors cling to the skin for various reasons such as repetition of unwashed clothes drenched in sweat from the previous day(s) and sullied inner wears that desperately yearn for water, soap and sunlight. Please do not sniff your clothes to check if they can be repeated especially when you sweat so much and you know deep down that your cloth is dirty and smelling. It is easier to repeat clothes than wash them but there are repercussions to this attitude. One of them is that you will stink, make people to hold their breath when you pass, perhaps, you might not know whether people make jokes because of your stench.

    Personally, I would have advocated for a national association for laundry affairs with hygiene police but let’s calm down. All that being said, let’s take a look at how we can care for our clothes and ensure their longevity, not ruining them. It is essential to buy things we absolutely love because it gives us the essence to take care of them. Our clothes contribute to our level of confidence so its handling should not be taken lightly. Our clothes are an extension of whom we are.

    REASONS YOU SHOULD CARE FOR YOUR CLOTHES

    Unclean clothes will do you a lot of damage in ways you may not imagine. If you take care of an item for it to last long, you won’t need to buy a replacement in a short while. The “extra” cash can be channeled to other needs. It can also be a problem to your skin and cause you to spend more trying to treat skin problems. If you love your skin and would like to save some money from being spent unnecessarily, you have reasons to take care of your clothes already.

    Dirty clothes can have bacteria build ups which leads to really bad odors due to sweat produced and shedding of skin cells daily. Studies have shown that humans secrete more than a litre of sweat and release about 500 million skin cells per day. Are you shocked? I mean our skin is shed daily.

    Isovaleric acid is an acid produced by a skin bacterium known as Staphylococcus epidermidis which breaks down oils, sweat and amino acids on the skin to give off unpleasant smelly by-products. This acid is also found in beer that is poorly made so you see why your clothes will smell when they have been worn even once.

    Our bodies produce oils that help keep the skin moisturized and these oils can build up on clothes which can be reabsorbed by the skin and cause pore blockage leading to break outs such as acne (pimples or rashes due to infection transferred from dirty sheets, pillow cases and clothes.

    Unclean clothes including underwear can cause skin irritation which could result in itching. Please wash your underwear after every single use to avoid bacterial and fungal infections. Leaving our clothes and sheets for long without washing can also make the stains and odors become more difficult to remove, stick or become permanent or even lead to discoloration of clothes.

    SIMPLE STEPS TO CARING FOR YOUR CLOTHES

    It’s advised to wash new clothes before use because you do not know the level of germs it has come in contact with through handling and fittings by different people who may have had interests of purchasing that same piece of clothing before you. Imagine “buying” germs/ microorganisms and getting infected because of “new” clothes that you literally just purchased from a store. And because you may not certainly know the level of a person’s hygiene, it may be better to avoid sharing any form of clothing especially intimates except if you are willing to give them up for good.

    HOW TO WASH CLOTHES PROPERLY:

    Washing of clothes is a role that should not be neglected as habits of wearing dirty clothes can be detrimental in more ways than we can imagine. It is quite tempting to put all your clothes into a washer all at once but please resist doing so as it can cause your clothes to get ruined. Do not also overload your washing machine.

    Sort your clothes and wash them in batches according to colours and also how dirty they are. Start with light coloured ones and then move on to the dark ones but then we all know this. Besides trying to avoid colour transfer or staining of one fabric with another, sorting helps handle delicate clothing as it should.

    Detergents are meant to remove clothes and stains while disinfectants keep the germs away. Use mild rather than strong detergents and fewer chemicals. Excessive detergent while washing can leave residues and stains which can ruin your clothes and cause skin irritations. It can also be bad for your washing machine. Thorough/ multiple rinsing are hereby advised.

    Air dry your clothes if you can except in conditions where it is not suitable or the label says otherwise. Clothes should be air dried or if dried under direct sunlight, it should be removed immediately they are dry to avoid color fading. Desist from drying your clothes indoors. Most germs can be removed by sunlight. Clothes that are not properly dried spread infections and causes odour.

    To care for your washing machine and disinfect it, use hot water and bleach to clean the insides regularly.

    Use warm water or cool water rather than hot water to avoid discoloration and weakening of your fabrics. Cold water prevents shrinkage in clothes.

    It is advised that clothes should be washed inside out.

    Delicate clothing/ fabrics should be hand washed to retain its texture. Remember to empty your pockets before washing your clothes and close zippers too.

    Salts and chlorine breaks down fibers and elastic so things like swimwear should be washed off immediately after use.

    When washing shirts, close attention should be paid inside the collars to wash off makeup stains, sweat stains, lotions etc

    Sick people’s clothes should be washed in a different batch from those of other persons, in warm water to avoid exchange of pathogens.

    Make sure you air your clothes after every use to preserve its shelf life and reduce unpleasant odors in your space even if you are not ready to wash them. Remove stains as soon as possible even if it’s not laundry day but have it in mind that the longer time you leave out a stain on your cloth, the tougher the stain becomes.

    READ YOUR CLOTH LABELS

    Cloth labels are instructions by the manufacturer to the user. It is important to adhere to them in order to have maximum and optimum use of the cloth for a period of time. Care labels are not for fancy. They are there to put you through the best ways to handle your fabrics.

    Cloth labels help you know at what temperatures clothes should be washed or ironed, if a washing machine is suitable for it or not, if the clothing should be hand washed only, whether dry cleaning is suitable or not to avoid any form of damage and so on.

    IRONING OF CLOTHES

    If your clothes have designs like embroidery, stone embellishments or plastic designs; use a steam iron to straightening out your fabric instead.

    Avoid ironing stained parts of your clothes to avoid further spread and making the stain more difficult to remove.

    Different fabrics have varying temperatures that works for ironing do well to take note. Most irons have basic temperature settings from minimum to maximum temperature. For example, fabrics made of nylon or polyester should be ironed dry while silk and cotton should be made damp before ironing.

    Make sure that every stain is thoroughly washed away before ironing and make sure you have a spray bottle handy. It’s better to iron your shirts humid or use a steam iron to achieve this.

    For shirts, iron the collar, the cuff and then the body. Make sure to button completely and put in a plastic or cardboard band before packing to avoid creases

    STORAGE

    Make sure your clothes are completely dry before putting them in your wardrobe or closet. Damp clothes produce foul smells and can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi and you do not want any of those on your clothes. This can also attract termites into your wardrobe.

    Once in a while, air your closets by leaving your closet/ wardrobe door open to aid good circulation.

    Clothes with elastic should be given room to breathe to increase its shelf life. For under wears, empty perfume bottles can be put in between to help give it fresh smell and cool scent.

    Plastic containers kept in a cool dry place preserves clothes better than cardboard or wood boxes which have capability of damaging clothes over time but this plastic container should not be completely sealed/ covered. Your clothes need small room to breathe.

    T-shirts should be washed gently in cold water. Folding t-shirts in half once preserves its fluffiness and reduces creases. Avoid putting your t-shirts on a hanger because the gravity from hangers can make them stretch.

    Clothes such as sweaters and other heavy garments should be rolled up/ folded and put on a shelf. Clothes should be folded along the seams to reduce creasing

    A piling brush or comb or a lint roller for suits can help get rid of fibers that appear on your cloth over a period of use.

    CLOTHES AND HANGERS: Wooden hangers are way better for hanging your garments because it helps keep the shape and does not given them wrinkles. Avoid wire and plastic hangers the much you can.

    The width of your hanger should not be wider than the width of your shirt/ top shoulders so that you don’t over stretch them and cause them to sag or loose elasticity.

    Leave spaces between hung clothes especially when they are ironed to avoid wrinkles or rumpling.

    Put your washed shirts preferably on hangers and allow to air dry.

    EXTRA TIPS

    Keep a sewing kit handy to fix tiny rips, missing buttons, tears etc. the sewing kit can include needle, thread, clips/ scissors, mending glue or iron on mending fabric, extra buttons.

    Make sure your clothes are the last things you get into before stepping out to avoid make up stains or hairspray stain getting onto your clothes or you can wrap a towel around your shoulders if you wear your cloth before doing those things.

    A lot of us have excess clothes in our closets. We have both what we need and what we don’t actually need. We have clothes we may never wear, those we have worn once or twice, those we continuously wear without remembering to switch it. If you belong to this Category of persons, please declutter your closet once in awhile. The fewer cloths you have, the easier it is to manage your space and care for your belongings.

    Like the saying goes “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”.

  • Beauty Obsessions 

    Beauty Obsessions 

    By Chidinma Prisca Elebe

    Once upon a time, there lived a queen who had great obsession about her looks and she had this magical talking mirror she goes to when she feels insecure about her beauty and most of their conversations go thus: “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all” the queen inquires, and the mirror answers, “you are the fairest of all, O queen, the fairest our eyes have ever seen”. This response from the mirror continued for a while till another maiden more beautiful than the queen emerged in the land. This discovery made the queen furious and made her poison the lady so that she could still remain the most beautiful. This story is more than children’s fables. It reveals the extent some of us can go to look beautiful. Now this mirror reflects the queen’s insecurity and her obsession with her appearance. The queen was beautiful and didn’t really need constant reassurance from the mirror.

    This story underscores our constant need to outdo each other in trying to look more beautiful and attractive and a lot of us have become victims of these insecurities leading to low self esteem. People even go as far as body shaming others who they think does not fit into the new narrative of beautiful.

    This generation’s quest for attractiveness is endless. It transcends every imagination the lengths people will go to achieve “perfection”. Perhaps attractiveness has taken a different connotation in this generation. The definition of beauty keeps changing over the years: beauty was the thin, frail looking, big busted women in the 19th-20th Century and the bulky men.

    Presently, men are required to possess rock abs, sculpted and shredded physique like super heroes and women are also required to possess the hourglass figure also known as “ slim thick” comprising of big breasts, flat stomach and big bum. It’s obvious that our perceptions of beauty are quite dynamic and have led to a tremendous change in peoples nutrition and everyday lifestyle. The recent “fit fam” trend is an attestation to the health and body image awareness, people started engaging in strenuous exercises and ketogenic diets to acquire this recently appealing look. The consequence of this is the increased rate of anorexic patients including other health issues and low self esteem for people that can’t achieve their set out goal.

    Social media plays a huge role in this recent definition of beauty and the advancement in technology made it easy for people to take better pictures with their cameras, smart phones and post meticulously edited pictures and selfies on social media. One can even use these editing apps and filters to alter their complexion, facial symmetry and body shape to their preferred specifications and with just a click of an app, created beauty is out for the world to gaze upon. It is obvious that nearly everyone looks good on social media because we often present our best selves for the world to see.

    This new definition of beauty and perfection and has gripped our ladies like fever and becoming so contagious that a good number of Nigerian celebrities and celebrity wannabes have become obsessed with acquiring this figure that they are willing to go under the knife to alter their physical appearance. The social media is always awash with a huge number of people trying to achieve the looks of various celebrities, dolls. The western media plays a pivotal role in projecting these warped perceptions of beauty to the rest of world especially in Nigeria. The Kardashians, American female rappers and actresses were so influential that most young people were drawn to this hourglass image like people under some kind of spell. This development is evident in the annual data provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery that shows a 64% increase in the rate of aesthetic plastic surgery over the years among women below 30 years old, with America and Brazil leading this recent trend.

    The society’s perception of beauty will always change. For instance, the American Board of Plastic Surgery observed a reduction of 14.9% in breast augmentation and 34.4% in implant removal (explanations). Breast augmentation surgery was once the mostly globally performed surgery with about 1,677,320 by 2017 but by 2019, a lot of women were removing their implants-these are cosmetic surgeries that were trending in the early 2000s. Obviously, one cannot keep up with these demands so when do we stop? Continuing with this trend of changing our bodies to conform to societal standards will never satisfy us, eroding our humanity in the process and exposing our wretchedness.

    It would be a shame that after spending huge sums of money to alter our physical appearance, we are yet to be satisfied with our self image because nothing changed on the inside. Our self image should stem from our individual differences and abilities, self acceptance involves being comfortable with yourself despite the state of your body because eventually everyone will get old and the skin will definitely lose its elasticity.

    Body positivity is more about being comfortable in your own skin and accepting that you are more than your looks. Obesity or being underweight is not healthy so just keep fit by exercising, eating the right kinds of food; do not forget to incorporate fruits and vegetables in your menu and drink a lot of water.

    Finally, I cannot wait to see the next thing this generation becomes obsessed as a yardstick to measure beauty and how these standards will be met.

  • Fashion Friday: You need an army of tools to guarantee a flawless Look and feel for your garments.

    Just like it takes a whole village to raise a child, just so you need an army of tools to guarantee a flawless Look and feel for your garments. I will introduce you to a host of them, but by the end of this post, I will share 2 secret ingredients with you that only a few designers know about that will never fail to upgrade your finish from Looking home-made to store-bought.

    TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT IN THE TAILORING WORKSHOP

    The tools and pieces of equipment in a tailoring workshop are divided into five main categories, namely:

    1. Tools for Marking and Measuring

    2. Tools for cutting

    3. Tools for pressing

    4. Tools for fitting

    5. Useful extras

    TOOLS FOR CUTTING

    SEAM RIPPER: It is used to remove unwanted seams from sewing projects. The longer sharp prong pushes into the seam, while the blade in between the two prongs cuts the thread.

    ROTARY CUTTER: It is used to cut through many layers of fabrics. Very useful for when you have bulk orders

    SCISSORS: Used for cutting fabric. it is important to have a separate one for cutting paper or thread so that it doesn’t get blunt

    CUTTING MAT: It is used with the rotary cutter so as to protect the working surface. it is self-healing and the blades of the rotary cutter won’t harm it

    LONG TABLE: A long table is invaluable in a tailoring workshop especially when working with long lengths of fabric

    TOOLS FOR MARKING AND MEASURING

    Tools for marking and measuring include:

    TAPE RULE: A flexible tape measure is useful to take measurements of the body or any three-dimensional item

    FLEXIBLE CURVE: Ideal for drawing curved lines, this can also be used to measure around awkward shapes.

    TAILORS CHALK: Often comes in a triangular shape, it is used to mark what you measured.

    PENCIL: A pencil is useful for marking patterns

    TRACING WHEEL: This is the quickest way to mark continuous lines. The dressmaker’s carbon is placed between the pattern and the fabric, and the tracing wheel is run along the lines to transfer lines of dots to the fabric.

    TOOLS FOR PRESSING

    Tools for pressing include:

    STEAM IRON: The holes on the surface of a steam iron provide steam that presses seams beautifully.

    MINI PRESSING BOARD: a mini pressing board is useful for pressing parts of garments that are narrow, i.e pants, or for smaller items like pockets, collars etc.

    TAILORS HAM: It is a rounded three-dimensional shape, the tailor’s ham is useful for pressing seams and awkward shapes.

    TOOLS FOR FITTING

    DRESS FORMS: Dress forms are useful for checking the fit of a garment before or after making it. they are sold in different sizes

    FULL-LENGTH MIRROR: It is useful for checking the general fit of garments

    USEFUL EXTRAS

    BOBBIN STORAGE

    THREAD RACK

    Now that you have learned some of these tools, its time for you to discover 2 secret tools top fashion designers use to guara ntee excellent finish every single time and how you can make it too, and start using it right away!

    Source: www.vanguardngr.com