Over the past few months, feminism icon Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been stepping out in stylish and chic outfits made by Nigerian designers. From a hand
beaded Style Temple bomber jacket to a orange top and skirt by MsBeefab.
Taking to her official Facebook page, the writer opened up about the journey so far in her “Wear Nigerian” project. The mother
of one also revealed that she she has finally joined Instagram.
The account being managed by her two nieces is where she will be documenting her project.
My Project ‘Wear Nigerian’ on Instagram. Read her post below…
The Nigerian government’s
disastrous economic policies have led to a reduction in the value of the naira and therefore in disposable income, a change in values, a disorientation of the middle class, and most of all, to a debilitating sense of uncertainty.
If we are to grasp for a silver lining, then the ‘Buy Nigerian to Grow The Naira’ rhetoric is one.
In that spirit, I recently decided to
wear mostly Nigerian brands for my public appearances. (Before, by the way, President Buhari declared ‘Made in Nigeria dress’ days.)
In the past few weeks, I’ve bought
more Nigerian brands than I ever
have in the past. I’ve discovered new names. I’ve been filled with
admiration for the women and men running their businesses despite the many challenges they face. I’m particularly interested in ‘inward- looking’ brands, those for whom dressing Nigerian women is as important as other goals.
I’ve changed quite a few dodgy
zippers, been disappointed by some poor quality fabrics, and been impressed by some detail-oriented finishing. Overall, I love the clothes, their cut, their whimsy, their color, their flair, their ability to make me feel
like myself. Their makers, from
designer to tailor to button-fixer to okada-delivery-person, deserve to be supported.
At the suggestion of my very au fait nieces Chisom and Amaka – who think Aunty is a hilarious luddite dinosaur (and they have a point, sadly) – I am now on Instagram at chimamanda_adichie documenting my ‘Wear Nigerian’ project.
