Nigerian fashion boasts a rich and vibrant history, deeply rooted in tradition and culture. From the pre-colonial era, where locally sourced fabrics like cotton and Ankara were used to create iconic garments such as the wrapper and blouse, to the colonial period that introduced Western styles, the evolution of Nigerian fashion has been fascinating. As Western influences began to blend with traditional styles, tailored suits and dresses became popular, especially among the elite, while cultural attire remained a staple for special occasions and ceremonies.
In the post-colonial period, there was a renewed embrace of traditional styles as Nigerian designers began modernizing classic garments to reflect contemporary trends while preserving their cultural significance. One designer stood out during this transformative era and played a crucial role in shaping the Nigerian fashion landscape. Her visionary approach and innovative designs helped put Nigerian fashion on the global map. That designer was Shade Thomas-Fahm, Nigeria’s first fashion designer and a true pioneer in the industry.
9 Things Didn't Know About Nigeria’s First Fashion Designer - Shade Thomas-Fahm
Shade Thomas-Fahm was the first fashion to open a boutique in Nigeria.
Shade Thomas-Fahm was a trailblazer in Nigeria's fashion scene, establishing one of the country's first boutiques and significantly raising awareness for Nigerian fashion design. As the first Nigerian woman to own a boutique, she gained recognition for her innovative use of traditional textiles like Aso oke, Adire, Akwete, and Okene, creating a variety of stylish outfits.
2. Shade Thomas-Fahm is only 91 years old.
Shade Thomas-Fahm, born on September 22, 1933, is a celebrated Nigerian fashion designer who is now 91 years old. One might assume that Nigeria's pioneering fashion designer would have passed on long ago, akin to Giovanni Battista Giorgini of Italy. This just goes to show how young we still are in the fashion industry
3. She had to convince Nigerians to wear Nigerian-made clothes.
Initially, Shade Thomas-Fahm faced significant challenges in persuading Nigerians to embrace locally made fabrics and designs, as many believed that British fashion was superior. However, throughout the 1960s, her Shadé's Boutique and other clothing stores in Lagos became popular destinations for stylish Nigerian-made garments.
Her influence has extended to numerous designers from the 1970s to the present day, including notable figures such as Abah Folawiyo, Betti O, Folorunsho Alakija, and Nike Okundaye, all of whom have made substantial contributions to the Nigerian fashion landscape.
4. You can call her the mother of the bubu.
Shade Thomas-Fahm is recognized for reimagining the traditional iro and buba into a contemporary wrapper skirt. She also played a key role in popularizing the "ajuba," now referred to as the "bubu," which was originally styled as a men's agbada. By focusing on locally woven and dyed fabrics, Thomas-Fahm crafted modern styles that gained recognition both in Nigeria and internationally.
The concept of designing is an art. You can learn how to sketch, but you must have the feeling. – Shade Thomas-Fahm
5. She originally dreamed of becoming a nurse.
Born on September 22, 1933, Shade Thomas-Fahm hails from the family of Bankole Ayorinde Thomas and Elizabeth Olaniwun Thomas and is of Yoruba descent. She received her education at St. Peter's School, Faaji, Baptist Girls' School Araromi, and later attended New Era Girls' College in Lagos.
In the 1950s, she applied to study nursing in England, leaving for the UK in the summer of 1953. However, upon arriving, she was enchanted by the stylish shops of London's West End and shifted her focus to fashion. Thomas-Fahm later expressed her desire to return to Nigeria, just before the country gained independence, with the aim of creating jobs and addressing unemployment.
6. She invented auto-gele.
The auto gele is a ready-to-wear head tie designed for convenience and ease. It resembles a cap and comes pre-styled, allowing users to wear it effortlessly at any time. Shade Thomas-Fahm is recognized as the pioneer of this innovative accessory, having introduced the auto gele and similar pre-styled headpieces.
7. She is a decorated fashion designer
Shade Thomas-Fahm won many awards for her work in fashion. She was recognized for her important role in helping Nigerian fashion become popular. Some of the awards she won were from the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research and the Nigerian Women's Association of Nigeria.
9. She is the Founder of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria.
The Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN) is the official organization for fashion designers in the country, established in 1989 under the Federal Ministry of Trade and Corporate Affairs. This influential association now has chapters across all states in Nigeria, with the primary aim of promoting Nigerian culture through fashion on a global scale. FADAN achieves its objectives through various initiatives, including exhibitions, fashion shows, seminars, workshops, and marketing efforts both online and on television. Recently, at the ECOWAS trade fair in Ghana, FADAN played a key role in founding the Federation of Designers Associations of West African countries, with Nigeria being appointed as the first chairperson of this regional body.
10. Her work has been displayed at London's Victoria and Albert Museum.
Shade Thomas-Fahm's impact on Nigerian fashion received international acclaim, highlighted by an exhibition at London's Victoria and Albert Museum in 2022, the premier institution showcasing applied arts.
In conclusion, the evolution of Nigerian fashion is a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and its ability to adapt and innovate over time. Pioneers like Shade Thomas-Fahm have played a crucial role in this transformation, elevating traditional garments and championing local textiles while inspiring future generations of designers. Her influence extends beyond her own creations, as she has paved the way for a vibrant fashion scene that celebrates Nigerian culture on both a national and global scale. As we continue to honor the legacy of visionaries like Thomas-Fahm, it is clear that Nigerian fashion is not only a reflection of its history but also a dynamic expression of identity, creativity, and resilience in an ever-changing world.
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