DIASPORA—This is how you make a fashion statement:
In response to the current economic crisis facing Nigeria, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has embarked on “Project Wear Nigerian” in order to help support Nigerian brands and contribute to the country’s economy.
“The Nigerian government’s disastrous economic policies have led to a reduction in the value of the Naira and therefore in disposable income, a change in values, a disorientation of the middle class, and most of all, to a debilitating sense of uncertainty,” wrote Adichie in a Facebook status.
“If we are to grasp for a silver lining, then the ‘Buy Nigerian to Grow The Naira’ rhetoric is one. In that spirit, I recently decided to wear mostly Nigerian brands for my public appearances.”
The prolific writer has dedicated her entire Instagram account (managed by her two nieces) to posting pictures of herself wearing clothing by Nigerian designers. The designer’s name and Instagram tag is listed in each caption.
Adichie is wearing fashion with purpose, and she looks phenomenal while doing so. Check out a gallery of her Nigerian-made looks below, and remember—in the spirit of Solange and the popular 90s clothing brand— “for us by us” is always the best trend to follow.