| Lagos is regarded as the commercial nerve centre of | | | | African Courier magazine, in its February/March 2010 |
| Nigeria. It is known for its hustle and bustle, as well | | | | issue, with six pages dedicated to a review of her |
| as an intricate blend of cultures - both local and | | | | work, including excerpts from an exclusive interview |
| foreign. Many residents in fact refer to it as no man's | | | | she granted. |
| land because indigenes from all parts of the country | | | | Today, Nigerian fashion designers in the 21st century |
| (and outside) have made it home. | | | | also creatively employ the Adire in evolving a unique |
| The result is a breathtaking kaleidoscope of cultures | | | | range of very fashionable and trendy African designs, |
| evidenced - in part - by the regular display of | | | | which are regularly showcased in fashion show |
| different attires by each cultural unit. One of the | | | | catwalks across Africa and even beyond. This is one |
| most prominent cultures in Lagos is the Yoruba tribe. | | | | of the great benefits the Adire affords - it is highly |
| They are able to lay claim to being the sons of the | | | | adaptable for use in various forms, for various |
| soil in Lagos, but are accommodating to outsiders. | | | | purposes - decorative or otherwise. |
| As a key component of South Western Nigeria, | | | | If you are a lover of African art, the Adire dress |
| Lagos also shares fashion and cultural trends with | | | | making process is definitely one to be explored. More |
| adjoining regional states. And one of the most | | | | importantly, especially if you feel you cannot spare |
| distinctive facets of the Yoruba culture is the Adire | | | | the time to visit a place where these unique |
| art form. From the earliest days of the arrival of | | | | creations are made, look out for the many shops |
| foreigners in Nigeria, history has shown that one of | | | | where beautiful Adire cloths are put up for sale. Be |
| the greatest attractions tourists and visitors have | | | | sure to get informed opinion about how to purchase |
| found in Nigeria, has been the Adire. | | | | the types that are durable, and will not fade when |
| Adire is a unique traditional textile made by the | | | | washed, at reasonable prices. |
| Yorubas, using hand knotted cloths that have been | | | | It would interest you to know that quite a number |
| dyed in indigo. The art of making this patterned cloth | | | | of good hotels in Lagos, and other western states |
| has been passed down across generations, even | | | | often have gift shops with sections dedicated to the |
| though at a time, it suffered a decline in popularity | | | | sale of artworks - including Adire. Note however that |
| amongst practitioners and its patrons. | | | | these shops can be a bit pricey, and that you can |
| Efforts by some celebrated practitioners of this | | | | get much better bargains buying directly from the |
| elegant age old art form have however helped to | | | | less pretty stalls of the local people or residents, |
| launch a recent renaissance in this field. Most | | | | some of who actually make it themselves. It is well |
| prominent amongst those involved in this | | | | known that the best places to buy well done Adire |
| re-awakening of interest in the Adire, locally and | | | | dresses include Abeokuta in Ogun State, and Osogbo |
| internationally, has been Nike Davies Okundaye, a | | | | in Osun State - where Nike Davies Okundaye runs |
| strong advocate of African Arts, with a mission to | | | | one of a number of her galleries in the country. |
| export it to the rest of the world. | | | | So, don't forget, when you visit Nigeria, to make out |
| She has achieved worldwide recognition for her | | | | time to explore the world of Adire cloth making, |
| exceptional artistry in making Adire cloths over a | | | | picking up a few souvenirs to take back home with |
| three decade period, and up till date. Her website | | | | you. If the news we have heard from other visitors |
| provides extensive resources that offer insight into | | | | to Nigeria is anything to go by, you and those you |
| her work - including offering links to other websites | | | | share your artistic gifts with, will be raving about and |
| which reflect the international appeal she enjoys. This | | | | showing them off with pride! |
| exceptional lady was featured on the cover of The | | | | |