- Couture: Refers to high-end,
custom-fitted clothing designed for individual clients, often seen in
fashion houses like Chanel or Dior. In Nigeria, designers like Folake
Folarin-Coker also create couture pieces.
- Haute: Short for "haute
couture," it signifies the highest quality of fashion design and
craftsmanship. It is typically associated with luxury and exclusivity,
much like the works of Deola Sagoe.
- Pret-a-porter: French for
"ready-to-wear," these are designer clothes produced in standard
sizes and sold in ready-to-wear shops, such as those found in Lagos'
fashion district.
- Bespoke: Custom-made clothing designed
specifically for an individual, often involving a fitting process. This
term is used for tailoring suits to the exact measurements of clients like
those of renowned Nigerian tailors.
- Runway: The platform where fashion
designers present their new collections during fashion shows. In Nigeria,
events like the Arise Fashion Week feature runway shows highlighting local
talent.
- Vintage: Clothing or accessories from
a previous era, typically valued for their quality and uniqueness.
Nigerian markets often feature vintage items that reflect past styles.
- Modern: Refers to contemporary styles
that are current and trendsetting. Designers like Maki Oh incorporate modern
elements into their collections.
- Collection: A group of coordinated
garments and accessories created by a designer for a particular season.
Nigerian designers often present collections during fashion weeks.
- Accessories: Items used to complement or
enhance an outfit, such as jewellery, bags, and hats. Popular in Nigerian
fashion, accessories often include beads and head wraps.
- Model: A person who wears and
showcases clothing and accessories in fashion shows. Models are crucial
for presenting designs by Nigerian fashion houses.
- Runway: The stage or platform where
fashion shows take place. It is a key element in showcasing designer
collections and is frequently used in Nigerian fashion shows.
- Silhouette: The outline or shape of a
garment on the body. Nigerian fashion often features unique silhouettes,
reflecting both traditional and modern influences.
- Drape: The way fabric falls or hangs
on the body. Nigerian designers often use drape techniques to create
elegant and fluid garments.
- Fit: The way a garment conforms to
the body's shape. Tailoring in Nigeria ensures that garments fit perfectly
according to the client's measurements.
- Texture: The feel or appearance of a
fabric's surface. Nigerian fashion frequently incorporates a variety of textures,
from smooth silk to textured brocade.
- Cut: The shape or design of a
garment's sections. Different cuts are used to create various styles, from
fitted dresses to flowing gowns.
- Hue: A particular shade of a
colour. In Nigerian fashion, vibrant hues are often used to create
striking and eye-catching designs.
- Tone: The lightness or darkness of
a colour. Nigerian designers may use different tones to create contrast
and depth in their garments.
- Shade: The variation of a colour,
created by adding black. In Nigerian fashion, shades are used to create
depth and sophistication in designs.
- Pattern: A repeated decorative design.
Patterns are commonly used in Nigerian textiles, including traditional
prints like Ankara.
- Print: A design or pattern applied
to fabric. Prints are integral to Nigerian fashion, showcasing traditional
motifs and modern graphics.
- Weave: The method of interlacing
threads to create fabric. Nigerian fabrics, such as Aso Oke, are known for
their distinctive weaves.
- Knit: A method of creating fabric
by interlocking loops of yarn. Knitwear is popular in Nigeria,
particularly in cooler regions.
- Stitch: The technique of joining
fabric pieces together with thread. Nigerian tailors use various stitches
to create garments with durability and style.
- Seam: The line where two pieces of
fabric are sewn together. Proper seaming is essential for the quality of
Nigerian fashion garments.
- Hem: The edge of a garment that is
folded and sewn to prevent unraveling. Hemming is a crucial finishing
touch in Nigerian clothing.
- Button: A fastening device used to
secure garments. Buttons in Nigerian fashion can be decorative and
functional, made from materials like wood or metal.
- Zipper: A fastening device used to
close openings in garments. Zippers are commonly used in Nigerian fashion,
especially in modern designs.
- Velcro: A type of fastening using
hook-and-loop tape. Velcro is practical in Nigerian fashion, offering ease
of use and adaptability.
- Embroidery: Decorative stitching on
fabric. Nigerian garments often feature intricate embroidery, reflecting
cultural symbols and traditions.
- Appliqué: A technique where fabric
patches are sewn onto a base fabric. Nigerian fashion uses appliqué to add
decorative elements to garments.
- Beading: The process of adding beads
to fabric for decoration. Beading is popular in Nigerian fashion,
particularly in traditional attire.
- Sequins: Small, shiny discs sewn onto
fabric for sparkle. Sequins are used in Nigerian evening wear to create
glamorous effects.
- Rhinestones: Imitation gemstones used for
embellishment. Rhinestones are often used in Nigerian fashion to add
sparkle and elegance to outfits.
- Patchwork: A technique of sewing
together different fabric pieces. Nigerian fashion includes patchwork as a
way to create unique and colourful designs.
- Pleats: Folds of fabric stitched in
place. Pleats are used in Nigerian fashion to create texture and movement
in garments.
- Tucks: Small folds of fabric sewn
into place. Tucks are used in Nigerian clothing to add detail and
structure.
- Ruffles: Gathered or pleated strips of
fabric used for decoration. Ruffles are incorporated into Nigerian fashion
to add femininity and flair.
- Shirring: The technique of gathering
fabric to create a ruched effect. Shirring is used in Nigerian designs to
add texture and dimension.
- Smocking: A method of gathering fabric
with embroidery stitches. Smocking is used in Nigerian fashion for both
decorative and functional purposes.