The re-emergence of Ankara

Anygma · 11-09-2006, 06:30 PM

Culled from my blog...

Gone are the days when expensive Lace fabrics ruled Naija parties. These days, Ankara is the fabric of choice. Once regarded as the fabric for the poor and the less privileged that cannot afford the pricy European Lace, Ankara is now "de facto" ruler of Lagos parties. From the upper echelon to the poor and not so well-off Lagosians, Ankara is the number one Aso-ebi of all occasion. I was recently in Lagos for my grandma's burial and you can guess the Aso-ebi of choice - Ankara. Two things that sets Ankara apart from other fabrics are the array of designs and vibrant colors. It's amazing how these two unique features were once it's biggest drawback but now seem to be reason behind the recent clamor. All thanks to government ban on the importation of foreign textiles few years ago (By the way, the ban was recently lifted). Ankara was predominately manufactured in the western sub-saharan region of Africa. From Guinea/Senegal all the way down to Cameroon, Ankara was the staple fabric of the region. With advent of globalization, free trade and poor government control. Local manufacturers lost the textile market to the wealthy Europeans which invariably led to the demise of the textile industry all over the region.

These days, Ankara is enjoying all sort of attention from Lagos fashionistas. The cut, the style, the integration with other textile materials will leave you spellbound. I'm totally amazed at what they're doing with Ankara these days. Gone are the days when some boring 'Iro and Buba' was all women can sew with Ankara. These days, Lagosians are making fashion statements that would rival the coutures of Italy and France. Fashion statements are not limited to women alone, various men styles are a thing of beauty to behold. I even got one pant sewn in boot cut style (can't wait to nack it! lol ).

Not to be mistaken for a cheap piece (Don't get it twisted), Ankara comes in grade. The higher the grade the more expensive. I've seen Ankara priced as much as the best of the best European Lace in the market. Like my people would say "You cut your coat according to your size". Such remarkable comeback reminds of the that biblical saying " the rejected stone which has now become the corner stone" -- That is Ankara for you.

Yemoja · 11-09-2006, 07:07 PM

link to ur blog pweaase

xoxoluwaxox · 11-09-2006, 07:57 PM

i like it.... and ur a man?

good read

**Nene** · 11-09-2006, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anygma

Ankara was predominately manufactured in the western sub-saharan region of Africa. From Guinea/Senegal all the way down to Cameroon

ankara was predominantly manufactured in the Netherlands , Holland . The higher quality fabrics are still manufactured there but now they have stations in Ghana and other parts of west africa. That's how they got the name dutch wax , hollandis etc
nice write up

Anygma · 11-09-2006, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nene

ankara was predominantly manufactured in the Netherlands , Holland . The higher quality fabrics are still manufactured there but now they have stations in Ghana and other parts of west africa. That's how they got the name dutch wax , hollandis etc
nice write up

I do agree with you but west african ankara has always been favorite amongst the locals. Though quality might not be up to par with their European counterparts. Like earlier mentioned, there are high quality west african manufactured fabrics but they cost a little bit more.

**Omosewa** · 11-10-2006, 12:49 AM

Yes ke, Adamu my tailor will be very busy come next yr, by God's grace.

Yes, ankara has levels, i think Hollandis is one of the more expensive types, then there's woodin or something like that. The ankara material can be really beautiful when worn properly-accessories, gele, shoes. Up Naija!

xoxoluwaxox · 11-10-2006, 01:29 AM

www.vlisco.com

that.chick · 11-10-2006, 04:21 AM

I didn't know Ankara ever left for it to re-emerge (?) Ankara's always been hot to me.

As far as the "new" styles go, I definitely appreciate the effort Nigerians are putting in to creating more modern styles. However, as far as these outfits being original, I can't give that much credit.

**Xpensyv_Bodi** · 11-10-2006, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xoxoluwaxox

www.vlisco.com

nooicee!!

**tike2u** · 11-13-2006, 06:30 AM

you are a year late my dear....

yeah i love me some ankara....they are 'it' for weddings now. used it for a wedding few months ago for the night party. the style has to be right tho, else u end up looking like any random baba/iya risi on d streetz of isale eko.

11-09-2006, 06:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
Anygma Convicted Audiophile Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Yuh mada yawd Posts: 7,619 Points: 1,002,570,080.00 Bank: 80,870,671,406.80 Total Points: 81,873,241,486.80 Donate Rep Power: 11047517	The re-emergence of Ankara Culled from my blog... Gone are the days when expensive Lace fabrics ruled Naija parties. These days, Ankara is the fabric of choice. Once regarded as the fabric for the poor and the less privileged that cannot afford the pricy European Lace, Ankara is now "de facto" ruler of Lagos parties. From the upper echelon to the poor and not so well-off Lagosians, Ankara is the number one Aso-ebi of all occasion. I was recently in Lagos for my grandma's burial and you can guess the Aso-ebi of choice - Ankara. Two things that sets Ankara apart from other fabrics are the array of designs and vibrant colors. It's amazing how these two unique features were once it's biggest drawback but now seem to be reason behind the recent clamor. All thanks to government ban on the importation of foreign textiles few years ago (By the way, the ban was recently lifted). Ankara was predominately manufactured in the western sub-saharan region of Africa. From Guinea/Senegal all the way down to Cameroon, Ankara was the staple fabric of the region. With advent of globalization, free trade and poor government control. Local manufacturers lost the textile market to the wealthy Europeans which invariably led to the demise of the textile industry all over the region. These days, Ankara is enjoying all sort of attention from Lagos fashionistas. The cut, the style, the integration with other textile materials will leave you spellbound. I'm totally amazed at what they're doing with Ankara these days. Gone are the days when some boring 'Iro and Buba' was all women can sew with Ankara. These days, Lagosians are making fashion statements that would rival the coutures of Italy and France. Fashion statements are not limited to women alone, various men styles are a thing of beauty to behold. I even got one pant sewn in boot cut style (can't wait to nack it! lol ). Not to be mistaken for a cheap piece (Don't get it twisted), Ankara comes in grade. The higher the grade the more expensive. I've seen Ankara priced as much as the best of the best European Lace in the market. Like my people would say "You cut your coat according to your size". Such remarkable comeback reminds of the that biblical saying " the rejected stone which has now become the corner stone" -- That is Ankara for you. __________________ Oracle\|PeopleSoft\|SAP Think Blue "So misunderstood, but what's a world without Anygma"

11-09-2006, 07:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
Yemoja Water Princess Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fashion Forum Posts: 25,136 Points: 33,999.45 Bank: 64,351.47 Total Points: 98,350.92 Donate Rep Power: 45116	link to ur blog pweaase __________________ www.lanikshair.com ~ Gongo Aso/Kutupa Aru ~

11-10-2006, 12:49 AM	#6 (permalink)
Omosewa Elder Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: ...in Him. Posts: 10,449 Points: 50,210.91 Bank: 8,920,598,005.45 Total Points: 8,920,648,216.36 Donate Rep Power: 21474868	Yes ke, Adamu my tailor will be very busy come next yr, by God's grace. Yes, ankara has levels, i think Hollandis is one of the more expensive types, then there's woodin or something like that. The ankara material can be really beautiful when worn properly-accessories, gele, shoes. Up Naija! __________________ Oluwaonidehinleyinmi...

11-13-2006, 06:30 AM	#10 (permalink)
tike2u Angelic Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: God's own city Posts: 12,698 Points: 91,019.40 Bank: 1,410,622.85 Total Points: 1,501,642.25 Donate Rep Power: 712556	you are a year late my dear.... yeah i love me some ankara....they are 'it' for weddings now. used it for a wedding few months ago for the night party. the style has to be right tho, else u end up looking like any random baba/iya risi on d streetz of isale eko. __________________ "For true success ask yourself these four questions: Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?" ~ James Allen

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

11-10-2006, 04:21 AM	#8 (permalink)
that.chick Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 231 Points: 247.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 247.00 Donate Rep Power: 32	I didn't know Ankara ever left for it to re-emerge (?) Ankara's always been hot to me. As far as the "new" styles go, I definitely appreciate the effort Nigerians are putting in to creating more modern styles. However, as far as these outfits being original, I can't give that much credit.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)