Chimamanda just got active on social media but not in the way you may think. Her instagram account which is now being handled by her two nieces; Chisom and Amaka (too cute) – is a style account dedicated to promoting and showcasing Nigerian designers. We’ve always known Chimamanda loves her some Nigerian designers, however, this interesting move provides designers with more of a platform as opposed to just a one off red carpet mention.
The great thing about this is she does not need to do this – as becoming a ‘style icon’ is hardly the reason behind this project. In a statement, Chimamanda says;
“The Nigerian government’s disastrous economic policies have led to a reduction in the value of the naira and therefore in disposable income, a change in values, a disorientation of the middle class, and most of all, to a debilitating sense of uncertainty.
If we are to grasp for a silver lining, then the ‘Buy Nigerian to Grow The Naira’ rhetoric is one.
In that spirit, I recently decided to wear mostly Nigerian brands for my public appearances. (Before, by the way, President Buhari declared ‘Made in Nigeria dress’ days.)
In the past few weeks, I’ve bought more Nigerian brands than I ever have in the past. I’ve discovered new names. I’ve been filled with admiration for the women and men running their businesses despite the many challenges they face. I’m particularly interested in ‘inward-looking’ brands, those for whom dressing Nigerian women is as important as other goals.
I’ve changed quite a few dodgy zippers, been disappointed by some poor quality fabrics, and been impressed by some detail-oriented finishing. Overall, I love the clothes, their cut, their whimsy, their color, their flair, their ability to make me feel like myself. Their makers, from designer to tailor to button-fixer to okada-delivery-person, deserve to be supported.
At the suggestion of my very au fait nieces Chisom and Amaka – who think Aunty is a hilarious luddite dinosaur (and they have a point, sadly) – I am now on Instagram at chimamanda_adichie documenting my ‘Wear Nigerian’ project.”
~CNA
We have all been there with the dodgy zippers and her honesty is definitely refreshing. She acknowledges our imperfections but celebrates the innovation and verve of Nigerian women and men running businesses despite the tough economic times. In her own way, she is giving back to her country, one fabulous outfit at a time and we just fell in love with her a little bit more. See more of her very stylish posts below.
Love!
Photo credit: @chimamanda_adichie Instagram
Tags
- Ndani Lifestyle: African Fashion
- Ndani Lifestyle: buy nigerian
- Ndani Lifestyle: chimamanda
- Ndani Lifestyle: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Ndani Lifestyle: fashion
- Ndani Lifestyle: grow the naira
- Ndani Lifestyle: instagram
- Ndani Lifestyle: naira
- Ndani Lifestyle: nigerian business
- Ndani Lifestyle: Nigerian designers
- Ndani Lifestyle: Nigerian Economy
- Ndani Lifestyle: nigerian fashion
- Ndani Lifestyle: Recession
- Ndani Lifestyle: Soical Media