At Fashion Police Nigeria, we consider ourselves the charitable and caring bunch when it comes to fashion and beauty. That is why we’re super excited to introduce our ‘Expert Corner’ column — the page, where, every now and then, we’re going to tap industry’s experts to give you the immediate access to the most bothering fashion and beauty questions. So, starting this week, we reached out to Jane Michael Ekanem to talk about African prints as regards its future evolution, its minimal red carpet appearance, trends and a few other things.
In case you’re oblivious with the name Jane Michael Ekanem. She is a stylist and designer who has already won the hearts of celebs. Though she may not quite be a household name just yet, but expect that to change any moment. Last year, she was featured on CNN’s African Voices and named amongst the 8 Nigerian fashion power brokers of 2016 by Cosmopolitan Nigeria, which we agreed. So when Jane gives a fashion advice, it’s better to listen and take notes. Keep scrolling to read what she has to say:
Jane Michael
FPN: Considering its popularity in the past 3 years, African prints are no doubt been accepted far and wide. As a designer, how do you see it evolving in the next few years?
African prints have always been a constant and I am sure I started appreciating African prints way beyond 3 years I can tell you. Already it has been embraced internationally and globally with the likes of Topshop and Asos creating pieces to sell in their store. What I hope for Is the Nigerian fashion industry getting to that level and this speaks for more than just the popularity of the prints.
FPN: In 2016 towards the last quarter, we were excited to see everyone embraced some new trends, especially the bell sleeves. Which trend do you think will also drive the fashion crowd crazy this year?
To be very honest, fashion and its trends is one thing that cannot be predicted. The cold-shoulder looks like a trend that is here to stay especially since it has been the rave for a long period now; and to envision what will trend in 2017, I have no clue. This is where I wish I were a psychic so I could see the future of fashion; but if I could foretell based on how I feel right now, I would say the varsity/bomber jackets will make a strong comeback.
FPN: Apart from that, can you tell us the 5 trends that are worth wearing now?
Tassels/fringe, Cold shoulders, Bomber jackets, mules, and Knapsacks
FPN: We see a little or no African prints on the red carpet — which is another way to say it has been disregarded when it comes to red carpet fashion. Don’t you think it’s high time a stylist and designer like you begin to offer celebrities red carpet-worthy Ankara dresses?
Designers already have been delving into the Ankara fashion, but it depends on the event. Actually, Iconic Invanity has done a lot of red-carpet worthy Ankara pieces and the real deal with it is a lot of time and devotion required to make it look right because you cannot Ankara piece on the red carpet. You cannot have a rushed Ankara pieces appearing on the red carpet. I can agree that we would like to see more Ankara on the red carpet but it isn’t as disregarded as it might seem.
FPN: Each time we remember your white top and Ankara mini skirt Linda Ikeji wore on TW Magazine, the rest of us will also like to wear Jane Michael collection. But we noticed you only dress people in celebrity status. Are your clothes affordable for the average Nigerian or who do you have in mind when creating?
Linda Ikeji — TW Magazine cover.
To a very reasonable extent, my clothes are affordable and for everyone with class and appreciation for detailing. The Jane Michael brand takes into consideration every detail of the item even to the placing of the band of the skirt and the amount of attention that went into making the Ankara skirt Linda Ikeji was styled in for the TW cover shows sets it apart from a mere skater skirt. A lot of ideas and work goes into making one Jane Michael piece and that determines the value of the clothing;
FPN: In the past seasons, we have seen some trends in and out. Our readers will like to know the Ankara trend that will never go out of style or possibly stand the test of time.
I think that the quality, type, and design on an Ankara fabric is what stands through time. We have seen the horses and little stars be the trend but never really go away even after new prints with new designs come on the scene. But in terms of the style, the Ankara shorts are here to stay.
FPN: They will also want to know the Ankara style that is the most flattering, as well as the ones guaranteed to make one look attractive.
Deciding what is most flattering is relative to personalities and choice; but for me, the Ankara shorts or blazer (especially when the pattern is done perfectly) makes for an attractive piece.
FPN: Should we or our readers want to shop your collection, how do we place an order?
I am working hard enough to meet up with the demand coming in and I have some stockists waiting for my pieces to come in. Unfortunately, I can’t give names right now because the clothes aren’t in stores yet but for the time being, my pieces can be seen via Instagram and they will be in stores sooner than later by God’s grace.
Google Images
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