THE LOST CRAFT OF AKWETE FABRIC IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN FASHION: INNOVATION, CREATIVITY AND CHALLENGES FACED BY DESIGNERS

Abstract

The study on the lost craft of Akwete fabric in contemporary Nigerian fashion: Innovation, creativity and challenges faced by designers was conducted among 120 respondents of fashion designer’s association of Nigeria (FADAN. Two research questions were raised, a purposive research question and sample were used and a 31 item questionnaire was the main instrument used to collect data for the study. Respondents were to answer yes or no.The statistical tools used were Mean and Chi-square and Freidman’s test. Although the local cotton was introduced by the Portuguese between the 14^th and 15^th century but Akwete fabric is becoming unpopular. 97 (80.8%) respondents have not designed with Akwete fabric, 68 (56.7%) answered yes, when indigenous fabric is not used in contemporary fashion the culture of the people is lost. 102 (85%) answered yes. Nigerians love for imported textiles is a challenge. 91 (75.8%) answered yes, modern technology has not been incorporated into the weaving by the weavers. 97 (80.8%) answered yes, government has not recognized the socio-economic importance of Akwete 99 (82.5%) answered yes, fashion designers can foster the value of Akwete fabric since it is versatile. In conclusion, Akwete fabric can be combined with other fabrics to produce any item of choice. It is recommended that, the Nigerian government should support and encourage the growing in a large scale of the local cotton. Buy Akwete, Use Akweta should be the watch “words”, fashion designers to foster the revival of Akwete fabric.