By Jennifer Alaba Igbe
September 28, 2024
When we think of luxury shopping, cities like Paris and New York come to mind. Do you think Port Harcourt is slowly becoming a hub for luxury brands?
The biggest names in fashion: LV, Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Celine, Jaqemus, and so on have shown their labels in some Nigerian Wardrobes, but the truth is I have never seen any of their stores in Nigeria let alone Port Harcourt. Port Harcourt does have international brands but not luxury brands.
Luxury Brands Vs High Street Fashion
Luxury or designer brands are high-end, prestigious labels that are known for their premium quality, craftsmanship, exclusivity, and often high price points. Their prices range go for thousands of dollars (millions of naira) per item.
A lot of people confuse high street fashion or international brands for designer or luxury. But there is a clear difference. High street fashion refers to the styles and trends sold in mainstream, accessible retail stores commonly found on busy shopping streets (or "high streets") in towns and cities.
These stores often cater to a wide range of customers and offer affordable, trendy clothing that reflects current fashion movements. High street fashion is typically more affordable and mass-produced compared to luxury or designer fashion, making it accessible to the general public.
Brands like Zara, H&M, and Topshop are examples of high street fashion retailers, known for quickly adopting and offering versions of runway trends at lower prices.
But because international brands come, the exchange rate and other factors make the prices seem like we arere buying luxury. A 20$ pair of jeans is cheap, if you buy it from a Levi's store in the US, but what if you buy if rom a Levi's store in Port Harcourt?
International Fashion Brands You Didn't Know Were In Port Harcourt
Did you know that Celio, a French fashion retailer, has a store in Port Harcourt? They only have one store in Port Harcourt and it is in the Garden City Mall.
They came to Port Harcourt in October of 2022, and they sell men's clothing. But trust me women can shop there too, especially for lounge wear.
How expensive should a clothing item be before you label it luxury? I don't know about you, but for an international brand, their prices are impressive. The cheapest thing they had in their store at the time I was there was north of NGN19,000, and it was a shirt. While their most expensive item was south of 300,000 NGN and it was a suit. Would you be shopping there soon?
What I Think About Celio
Their clothes looked like what men could wear to a Polo game in England, or a nice brunch in the south of France on a crisp Autumn afternoon. While they stick to minimalist designs, their collections tell you "Im a modest business man, and I like to play golf." They did their thing with stripes, plain colors, and soft cotton you can wear in the Nigerian heat. Magnifique!
I visited the Celio store at Garden City Mall with my colleague, Nameh, and we had the pleasure of speaking with the manager. From the moment we stepped inside, we felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and hospitality. The manager greeted us with such politeness and attentiveness, answering all our questions with a level of care that made us feel truly valued. It reminded me of the reputation the French have for their politeness—just for a moment, it felt as if we had been whisked away to France. After a long day of visiting numerous stores, the warmth we encountered at Celio was like a breath of fresh air.
FAQs
What is the most expensive brand in Nigeria?
Valued at NGN355.3 bn, Access Bank is the most expensive brand in Nigeria. Unlike France with Louis Vuitton, Nigeria's most expensive brand is not a luxury brand.
Which is the most luxurious fashion brand in the world?
The most luxurious fashion brands in the world include Louis Vuitton, Prada, Burberry, Versace, Chanel, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and some more.
What is the name of the best fashion designer in Nigeria?
The best fashion designer in Nigeria Lisa Folawiyo, but this is just my opinion.
What is the number 1 luxury brand?
With their annual revenue exceeding USD15 bn, Louis Vuitton has the bragging rights for claiming the number 1 luxury brand title.
What is the most purchased item in Nigeria?
According to Statista, clothing and other fashion items are the most purchased items in Nigeria. I wonder why a fashion brand isn't the most expensive brand in Nigeria if that is the case.
Which country spends the most on luxury fashion?
According Euronews, South Korea spends the most on luxury fashion. I would have guessed Dubai or Monaco.
Which country has the best fashion brands?
France has the best fashion brands in my opinion. They don't call it the fashion capital for nothing.
Who is the most fashionable celebrity in Nigeria?
I'm going to say it's a tie between Burna Boy and Ebuka. Ebuka reigns supreme in Nigerian traditional wears, but Burna Boy knows his way around designers. Have you seen the recent Boss campaign with Burna Boy?
In which country are luxury brands the cheapest?
The US, the UK, Spain, and Germany.
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