Above, a simple evening outfit is transformed by a headgear, modelled,
courtesy of the craftswoman. The outfit immediately acquired an African,
specifically Nigerian flair to it.


Headgear or headtie are the English names;
Ichafu,Gele in Nigerian tongues;
Whichever you call it,
It is still that piece Nigerian women
Adorn themselves with,along with
the traditional attire, usually
well coordinated to match and
make a resounding fashion statement.

Firmly perched on the head, this piece
completes any outfit,lifting an ordinary
outfit out of the dungeons to outstanding.
Transforming a good outfit to new heights
in the fantastic mode.
It is not a hat, fits like a hat, but
definitely not a hat.
A hat retains the same shape for its
life time, stored in a box for safety.
The headgear is adaptable, can change
like a chameleon, though not in color,
in style,to match any outfit.
Trust the able hands of craftswomen and lately
men,to fold,bend and pin the mostly stiff
fabric, into various forms and styles to top
a wide range of fashion styles.

Gele can now top off jeans outfits, an
evening gown, Asoke, Lace, Akwete, Ankara and
various traditional fabrics and tailoring styles.
Ichafu is now worn by both young and old.
Used to be the trademark of madams, married
women and adult women.
But no more.
Teenagers, young brides and their ladies in waiting,
file out in traditional outfits topped with gorgeous
headgear to match their glowing young faces.
Ichafu is in for all.
The bigger and brighter, the better.

Showing off the incredible talent of Nigerians,
Male and female, young and old.
Nigerians make fashion statements galore;
Really hard to ignore, noticed and admired
By many eyes beholding them.
But that's about it.

The rush of over twenty years ago, by Africans
outside Africa,
To wear African, really Nigerian attire quietly died off.
The Mandela's visit and outing
decked in gorgeous African gear,
sparked an appreciation of such
and a strong demand. It lasted for a while.

What actually killed it,nobody knows.
The cumbersome nature of such outfits?
Could it be the same creativity Nigerians are known for?
Flooding the world with fraudulent mail and
activities, leaving a bad taste in the mouth of many,
thereby killing Nigeria's reputation and everything Nigerian?
Flooring each other every chance Nigerians get?
Fleeing their homeland in large numbers no matter
the risk?
Being viewed as jokers?
Since they are the happiest people on earth,despite
the hellish atmosphere in the homeland?

Re-branding Nigeria may take off with gusto
tapping into the creativity of Nigerians.
With the right environment,atmosphere,
infrastructure and mindset,
The incredible talent of Nigerians can be
garnished, put together and put out to
give Nigerians jobs, pride and a new headgear.
The world will catch on one more time.
Undoubtedly.

Nwada (Lady) Chinwe Enemchukwu
Onye Uwa Oma
na Orlando, Florida
Copyright: 7/17/2010