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Make fashion statement with eco-friendly Faidez Wears

By Maria Diamond
18 September 2021   |   3:31 am
Knitwear used to be generally perceived in Nigeria and some parts of Africa, as non-eco-friendly based on the relatively hot climate condition, but with the evolution in fashion trends, indigenous designers such as 'Faidez Wears' have changed the narrative with comfy knitted fabrics.

Knitwear used to be generally perceived in Nigeria and some parts of Africa, as non-eco-friendly based on the relatively hot climate condition, but with the evolution in fashion trends, indigenous designers such as ‘Faidez Wears’ have changed the narrative with comfy knitted fabrics.

The indigenous fashion brand recently unveiled eco-friendly knitwear that is not just suitable for the summer but depicts the two basic criterions to statement making in the world of fashion, classy and elegance.

Beyond sweaters, evolution has made it possible for the industry to create comfortable knitwear fabrics known as yarn that can be worn in harsh climate conditions. The founder of Faidez Wears, Deborah Olujobi explained during the event, which took place in Lagos. She said, “Our focus, beyond eco-friendly knitwear, is to create comfortable, classy and elegant contemporary knitwear that makes a statement for all ages. We look at the piece we’re creating and the function of the dress before determining the kind of yarn, technique of knitting and adequate garment to be used to make the dress, such that it will give you either extra thickness or light.”

Deborah Olujobi who won ‘The Young Fashion Leader’ award by The Immerse Coaching Company, Lagos, and ‘The Impact award of the Next Economy Programme’ by The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands in 2020 respectively further explained that there are different ways to wear knitwear, either as fashion pieces to make a statement, office wear, tops, blouses, hair bands to complement your hair or outfits when going out.

Fabrics Used For Knitwear
. Cotton yarns – Cotton yarn knitwear are fashioned in the manner that there are airy loops which allow proper air circulation and make the heat bearable. They are made by spinning the fibres from a cotton plant into a lovely ball of yarn. A completely natural fiber, cotton yarn can be found in every weight from delicate 4-ply right through to super chunky, and you can choose from a range of eye-popping colours.

. Acrylic yarns – Acrylic yarns are a replica of natural cotton and wool yarns. They are also eco receptive as they are manufactured from petroleum products by melting and extruding the materials into long, thin fibers.

. Cotton acrylic blend yarns – In a cotton acrylic blend, acrylic contributes to softness, warmness and durability, while cotton contributes to comfort. Such blend offers a more comfortable, warm, and yet light garment. The general blend proportions are 75 per cent cotton and 25 per cent, or 60 per cent cotton and 40 per cent acrylic or 50/50.

The Knitwear professional further explained that more often than not, cotton yarns are more receptive. “However, until recently when Nigeria started producing cotton yarns, we mostly used acrylic yarns which are also receptive”.

How To Make A Statement With Knitwear
. Suit it up as a layer between a blazer and dress shirt.
. Go casual as a piece that is worn over a t-shirt or just pair it with jeans. Either way, the outcome is elegance so long as you give it contrast or matching colour.
. Play around with the knitwear patterns for added texture and detailing.

Knitwear Versatility in Nigeria
Deborah Olujobi further said when it comes to fashion, Nigerians are lovers of statement making, and knitwear is so versatile that you can combine it with any choice garment that speaks class and elegance.

She however noted that, although there is versatility in knitwear, Nigerians do not have awareness of the industry as those who wear knitwear here mostly source from imported second hand wear. Hence, the need to change the narrative that we can actually make our own knitwear with eco-friendly yarn fabrics and erase the popular notion that knitwear cannot be worn here in Nigeria because of our harsh climate condition.

Advantages of making Knitwear in Nigeria
. To reduce import rate – Importation does not help the GDP of the country, but reduces it.
. It creates an opportunity for the economy of Nigeria.
. It gives us the opportunity to export Nigeria Knitwear to other countries. When we export, it increases our GDP and improves our economy.
. Provides job opportunities for people to learn and explore the creativity in the craft.

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