Many Nigerian fashion designers feel their country, one of the biggest consumers of fashion in Africa, can boost the economy, meet rising domestic demand, raise exports and enhance job opportunities through mass production. The existing mini private hubs are inadequate and stakeholders have to come together to build large hubs for mass production, they say.
The designers told this to a Nigerian news agency at the recent three-day Ready-To -Wear (R2W) Fashion Expo which concluded on March 25 in Ikeja, Lagos.
Grace Dogubo, creative director, Gravido Fashions, said synergy is needed among fashion experts and the government to create standard fashion hubs. Toyin Yusuf of Beadall Version said the business of bead making is making waves in the domestic and international markets, but accessing raw materials is a challenge and all that have to be imported.
The cost of skills and materials are higher than the selling price, Oriola Ladenegan, an expert in customised leather bracelets, wallets, phone pouch and wrist beads, said, adding finishing is a problem due to lack of machine technology.
Oketunji, creative director, Okelt Studio Apparel, lamented the lack of advanced technology.
