One of the many things I’m looking forward to coming back to Canada with is Nigerian (some call it “traditional”) clothing. I do own a few pieces of Nigerian clothing, but I have refused to wear them out because they are ill fitting and worse, they make me look larger than I am. Large women like myself do not look good in shapeless, mumu-like garments and I have therefore refused to wear the few such garments that have been sent to me. I don’t intend to let them sit unused forever though: I have grand plans to use my sewing machine and alter them a bit…one day.
Call me ungrateful but if you saw me in one of them you would agree. Of that I have no doubt. I was tempted to put one on and snap a picture but I don’t feel like being depressed today :)
So, my goal is to have some things made that are not mumus, and are not iro and buba, as I find those just emphasize my matronly figure. Instead, I’d like some skirts and blouses, with the top being form fitting without being too tight. I would also like to get a dress or two made, and perhaps even a shirt or two or a blazer that I can wear with denim, and mix and match with my regular clothing.
What a shame that having a tailor or seamstress here would be sooo costly! I mean what could possibly be better than buying clothing that is made specifically for you and your body?
So, because of that, I have been looking around for gorgeous styles of Nigerian clothing, for inspiration’s sake. Many of the models I’ve seen wearing these cute things have a very different body shape from mine (read: they look like models and not like a woman who has had five children, and in fact may be heavily pregnant with her sixth), so I share the following styles that have caught my eye, knowing there would have to be modifications made to suit me.
Peridot and Ruby have some amazing styles—check them out! The styles that caught my eye from their Spring 07 collection are below. All the dresses have sleeves, which my arms greatly appreciate.
And from their Fall 08, the following lovely things grabbed my attention. I like the idea of wearing a hot skirt with a plainer top—a tshirt or something else.
So gorgeous! You should definitely check out their site for more beautiful offerings (and they have a lot—check the “Look Book” section too).
Are there other sites that you go to when seeking inspiration for your Nigerian clothing?
(with the exception of the first image, all images are courtesy of Peridot and Ruby.)
