Nigerians Are So Creative, Why Is Our Streetwear So Safe?

The clothes often mirror what is already trending globally. In every collection, I can see moodboards and Pinterest influences; not because I am a fashion historian, but because it avoids pushing beyond the shallow.

Jorts, sambas, t-shirts, and hoodies; there is a list of staple items you are bound to see at Nigerian streetwear events. The brands are often easy to spot, not because of the exquisite craftsmanship that reminds you of the Miu Miu jackets that Wisdom Kaye purchased. But because of the heavy logomania they possess. T-shirts with emblems, logos, and names of the brands splattered or printed across them.

Despite the multicultural city that Lagos is, these shirts are riddled with the same motifs: Eagles, cowries, silhouette of Africa, and if you are lucky, you might see a reference to an African landmark — I saw Mount Kilimanjaro on a shirt. The eagles are often a reference to the national coat of arms or the football team. But that’s Nigeria 101; it is not an exciting or innovative shape to anyone who has lived in more than one city, especially one outside Lagos and Abuja. The nation itself has an array of coats of arms, constantly drawing inspiration from one, as a Nigerian reads like “florals in spring”. Plus, it is often a bald eagle, and those are not native to Nigeria.

Full story at Pulse NG