From “Purple Hibiscus” to Style Icon, Chimamanda Adichie has bridged the gap between fashion and literary culture with ease. With the goal of promoting and creating visibility for the fast-growing Nigerian fashion community, Adiche launched the “Wear Nigeria” project, showcasing the works of talented Nigerian fashion designers in her public appearances.
Breaking Stereotypes in the Intellectual Space Adiche defies the notion that intellectuals can’t also be fashion enthusiasts. She has become a new perspective of culture fusion for intellectuals, showing that a love of fashion doesn’t have to have a deeper meaning – it can simply be a love of fashion.
Front Row at Dior Adiche was a front-row spectator at the Dior 2017 Spring ready-to-wear collection, surrounded by fashion’s elite. Maria Grazia Chiuri, the brand’s first female creative director, sent models down the runway to the sound of Adichie’s empowering manifesto “We Should All Be Feminists,” with models sporting T-shirts bearing the statement. It’s no surprise that Adiche has been named the first black female representative for the brand.
“My Fashion Nationalism” In a Financial Times piece titled “My Fashion Nationalism,” Adichie reflects on her love affair with fashion and her journey to becoming a fashion influencer with over 90,000 Instagram followers. In the essay, Adiche shares takeaways such as:
- Finding a fashion icon
- Embracing originality, even if it leads to misunderstandings
- Always considering the deeper meaning behind fashion industry cliches
- Wearing what you love
- Not being afraid to let your fashion align with your politics.
Adichie’s journey shows that style is self-defined and based on passion, honesty, and attention to detail.
