Nigerian Ankara was once regarded as a cultural heritage that belonged only to Nigeria, but now it has become an international fashion statement. As a result, it is no longer limited to local settings, with people worldwide adopting various designs made of Nigerian Ankara fabric.
In this article, we will examine how this iconic fabric has crossed boundaries by influencing people’s wearing while preserving its culture and serving as a symbol of identity and self-expression worldwide.
What is Nigerian Ankara?
Nigerian Ankara, also known as “African wax print,” is a pure cotton fabric with colourful and bright designs that can be used to make traditional and modern styles. Nigerian Ankara’s origin is a mix of African, Indonesian, and European influences, which have resulted in the fabric we today recognise as bold and beautiful.
The Historical and Cultural Significance of the Nigerian Ankara Fabric
Nigerian Ankara began its journey from the native markets of Nigeria, where both men and women used it for ceremonial purposes and everyday activity. It has always been more than just material because it can convey status, identity, and cultural pride better than any other kind.
Photo Source: Medium.
Historically, Nigerian Ankara fabric became a form of storytelling within Nigerian communities. Different tribes and regions often had specific patterns symbolising significant cultural stories or values. For instance, particular patterns were reserved for royalty or critical events like weddings and coronations. This allowed the fabric to transcend fashion and become a living history, recording and celebrating the diverse heritage of the Nigerian people.
Each pattern holds meaning, often symbolising proverbs about historical events or folklore, making every piece of Nigerian Ankara personal.
The global rise of Nigerian Ankara began when African fashion designers took their roots to the international stage. Thanks to some fashion enthusiasts and designers from countries such as America, France, and England, this material has found its way not only into high-fashion collections but also into popular clothes.
Several Nigerian designers, including Lisa Folawiyo and Deola Sagoe, have used the Ankara fabric to create stunning outfits. Its global acceptance has also increased, with celebrities like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Michelle Obama wearing outfits made from this material.
Why the world loves Nigerian Ankara
Many people admire Nigerian Ankara because it is a reliable fabric that can be used to make many things. These include in-vogue dresses, skirts, trousers, jackets, good crop tops, fashionable bags, and attractive jewellery. Ankara can cater to all types, from luxurious fashion to someone who holds on to traditions but longs for the latest styles.
Photo Source: D&D Clothing.
Nigerian Ankara is admired for its aesthetic beauty and affordability. Compared to other fabrics used in high fashion, Ankara allows designers and consumers to create luxurious, stunning designs without a high cost. This availability has played a crucial role in its international increase, making it a famous cloth in high fashion and everyday wear.
Additionally, Nigerian Ankara celebrates individuality. The different colours and patterns ensure that no two designs are alike, which provides room for genuine self-expression. A person’s identity is based on how they dress using this fabric, which goes beyond being fashionable; it is also an expression of one’s heritage, pride, and personal taste.
How Nigerian Ankara Influences Global Fashion
In this era of fast fashion, Nigerian Ankara fabric represents slow fashion. Woven from organic cotton and other sustainable materials under environmentally friendly conditions, it draws the attention of the world’s people who are becoming conscious about their fashion selections.
Nigerian Ankara is one of the world’s most used streetwear and pop culture fabrics in essential fashion weeks. In most large cities, an apparent mixture of traditional and modern dress styles involving Ankara is significant in this intercultural blend of fashion. Sensibilities. Whether worn in Nigeria or New York, Ankara straddles the line between tradition and modernity.
Many international clothing firms have started working with African designers by integrating Ankara into their collections. This way, Ankara can evolve while preserving its strong connections to African heritage.
Photo Credit: All Things Ankara.
Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have introduced Nigerian Ankara to the rest of the world. Unique Ankara styles are shared by influencers and individuals who love fashion, therefore attracting international attention. The digital fashion world is always filled with Ankara, from streetwear to red-carpet looks.
Also, as Nigerian Ankara is becoming increasingly globally recognised, the economy of designers and artisans in this country has experienced numerous benefits. Local industries are booming due to external demand, and Ankara has become an essential export good, signifying culture and development.
How to incorporate Nigerian Ankara into your Wardrobe
If you want to add the Nigerian Ankara fabric to your fashion style, there are numerous means of achieving this:
Statement pieces: These include bags, scarves, or shoes, which can be used as Ankara accessories and make everything else in the outfit appear brighter.
Bold Ankara dresses or suits: For formal events, it is recommended to wear a full Ankara look, from cocktail dresses to suits.
Mix and Match: Pair it with plain denim or cotton for a stylish yet balanced appearance.
Custom-Made Ankara Accessories: By customising an Ankara accessory like a belt, headband, or statement jewel, you can elevate your attire. These items could brighten any outfit with their colours and traditional designs while not overbearing. For instance, putting an Ankara belt on a dress or pants will give it a different style, making it unique and personal.
The Nigerian Ankara has become an internationally recognised fashion statement, representing the country’s customs and traditions, adaptability, and willingness to experiment with different forms.
The transition it has experienced from Nigeria’s domestic market to being globally recognised shows how solid and influential the cultural force of the world’s most powerful fashion can be since it remains real irrespective of how far away you are.
If you want to express your nationality or stand out in the fashion world, there is no better way than using Nigerian Ankara.