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My Q Lifestyle debuts with Roots: A Journey In History With Adire In Lagos

By Tobi Awodipe
04 August 2018   |   4:00 am
Tradition met modernity in the most exquisite blend of sophistication and elegance when my Q Lifestyle presented the Roots Collection at the weekend at Rele Gallery in Lagos.

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Muhammed, left, Director, My Q Lifestyle, Yeside Laguda, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Idiat Adebule and Jibola Laguda at the presentation Of Roots Collection: “A Journey In History With Adire”, in Lagos…recently

Tradition met modernity in the most exquisite blend of sophistication and elegance when my Q Lifestyle presented the Roots Collection at the weekend at Rele Gallery in Lagos.

Naming all the pieces after strong heroines that have done the country proud, the Creative Director of My Q, Yeside Laguda said this was deliberate and not accidental. “Roots is all about wresting control from the ‘sources’. As at today, 95 percent of the fabrics used for our clothes are imported. We need to make use of our own resources and employ them creatively. We must make and design our fabrics ourselves instead of importing from other countries.”

Laguda said she created the collection in such a way that the 21st century woman can enjoy it and wear them anywhere without feeling restricted. “We made this collection in two pieces, Kimonos, gowns and ballroom gowns. We used stones, laces, beads, chiffon and lace on the pieces. I want to influence my environment and keep the Naira in Nigeria by working with Adire; we are trying to ensure that the money doesn’t go out. Ankara is not our own no matter how we may want to claim it and when we use Ankara, just 20 percent of the money goes into the hands of Nigerians, but with adire, 70 per cent of the money stays with Nigerians and trains the Nigerian child.

“Whatever industry you may find yourself, try to influence it positively so that we can collectively grow the Naira and the economy.”

Pointing out that the entire collection was made completely from the popular, local Adire fabric, Laguda said the different types were employed and were dyed in Osogbo, Ikorodu, and Ibadan amongst other places within the Southwest.

Dignitaries present at the launch include Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Muhammed and his wife, Mrs. Muhammed, Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun represented by his deputy, Yetunde Onanuga, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Minister of State on Trade and Industry, Hon Hajiya Aisha Abubakar and publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Sam Amuka, amongst other dignitaries.

Praising Laguda on her creative ingenuity, Abubakar described the collection as not only noble, she urged others to take a leaf from her. “When we wear these pieces, we would all be intrinsically linked to the inspirational women that influenced the collection.” Adebule on her part promised on behalf of the Lagos State government that they would continue to support small and medium businesses especially fashion related ones as much as they can as these businesses make up the engine room of the state’s economy.

The historic women that influenced the modern 21st century collection are Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Emotan, Queen Amina, Flora Nwapa, Moremi Ajasoro, Margaret Ekpo, Queen Idia, Alimotu Pelewura, Dora Akinyuli, Stella Adadevoh, Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, Hajiya Gambo Sawaba, Kudirat Abiola and Efunroye Tinubu.

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