African lace

« African Lace » denotes brightly coloured, industrially embroidered textiles that define the image of Nigerians Worldwide. For over fifty years it has been the fabric of choice for festive and formal dress styles. This volume is the first to explore the history and cultural significance of this particular fabric in Nigeria.

Industrial embroideries have been produced in Austria and Switzerland since the 19^th century. The specific designs manufactured for the West African market go back to the early 1960s when commercial relations with the newly independent state of Nigeria began. Since then African Lace has been extremely popular in Nigeria and the resulting clothes have been adopted as « traditional dress ».

This book presents a fascinating chapter in African fashion history and enhances a contemporary aspect of culture that extends beyond the borders of a single nation, interconnecting people, ideas, and creativity through trade. African Lace highlights fashion, creativity, opulence, and the joy of social gatherings in Nigeria.