Fashionable Idea 101

Letter to Nigeria fashion designers

Ankara designs aren’t a new story to us in Africa and for anyone who loves Africa.

I have lived amongst a lot of (Ankara) fashion designers and I must say it’s a business that keeps grown day in day out.

It’s so funny that we copy the western world yet leave the details of what we've learnt behind.

Most times I pick up an Ankara blouse done by an expensive designer, from the finishes I can say its worth the cost! I do have a nice and expensive fashion designer in my family and I do admire her works but, most times in all I find one thing missing. What can that be? LABELS!! That’s it.

In several occasions I have seen a lady ask another lady who makes her cloths and she starts describing where or given out phone numbers or sometimes volunteering to take her there. If I should put on a Gucci shirt I suppose the question will not be the maker but rather the Gucci shop.

Labels make a brand, a brand! Anything else isn’t a brand

How to make labels for Ankara wears

There are two types of label making I will be discussing in this forum

1. Material label: is the one you sew up with shirt collars or anywhere on the Ankara you’ve made.

Requirement for best quality labels

ü   Look for labels from old clothes (as sample) so you can take measurements and other details you will need in your own label.

ü   Get a graphic designer to make you a logo if you don’t have already and create the format you intend from the old samples you got.

ü   After the features of your label have been design on the computer you’ll need to take it to the embroidery shop.

ü    Your graphic artist can help you locate an embroidery shop or some branding shop that do have an  embroidery machine.

ü   An example of the machine is shown below.

ü   Once the machine sew–prints out your labels, then you are “good to go!”

Requirements for good quality labels

This is an idea I used on labels for t – shirts I did make.

ü   Look for labels from old clothes (as sample) so you can take measurements and other details you will need in your own label.

ü   Get a graphic designer to make you a logo if you don’t have already and create the format you intend from the old samples you got.

ü   Get a screen printer. They are found in the artist shops or your graphic artist can help out.

ü   White Ribbons

ü   Oil paints (PVC)

2. Tag Label: this is the dangling card you find at any end of an already made cloth.

   

It is usually a laminated art card having a simple graphics and write-ups which contains your contacts. This is normally attached to the cloth with a rope or a plastic tag.

Requirements

ü   Look for a sample from a new cloth or check online for concepts

ü   Graphics designer who will create your illustration

ü   Printer or printing press. They will create and cut the cards to size

ü   Perforating machine. You can get that from a stationary store.

ü   Small ropes you can get in a textile accessories shop. You can also get curtain design rope from a shop selling curtains

ü   If you can lay our hands on good plastic or rubber tags, best!

I think a good finishing with a well created label will make your work outstanding and give your customer an extra look in class.

Don’t forget everyone likes a good package 

Happy Sallah and a nice holiday to everyone celebrating it.