In a simple but classy way, Nigeria’s international designer, Ituen Basi recently launched herself on the fashion scene, with the unveiling of her spring/summer collection for 2007. The  collection, which was a revelation of Ituan’s creative flair came in two categories: Rustic Chic and the Old Calabar.

The Rustic Chic collection , is  a clever collection which combines traditional tailoring technique with feminine silhouettes and rustic hand finished embroidery to enhance and express individual style According to the designer, “It  is a stylish combination of eclectic , whimsical , quickly yet wearable garment.” Key pieces in this category include: the universal jacket the fluid peacock skirt and  the signature relaxed palazzo trousers. 

The collection has clean outline with jacket skimming the body and short briefs, the  neat bell sleeves come in two lengths on the jacket. As far as colour goes , black rules with a dramatic contrast of raw organic twine the addition of white and tan  softens the blackness of the collection. The main fabric used in the collection is raw linen, heavy weight and light weight handkerchief
linen.

For Ituen Basi, the Old Calabar collection originates from The Efiks of the Southern Eastern part of Nigeria, who have  a rich culture, influenced to a large part by their early interactions, through commercial activities, with the Europeans. This influence is most evident in their women's fashions. According to the designer, for the young Efik matron,
the appropriate attire for formal outings was a Victorian-influenced full-length gown called the ‘Onyonyo. “The cadence of the name suggests the pomp which attended the attire, because in Efik, ‘onyo nyo connotes a fullness, a richness and certainly something greatly admired and desired.” she reveals.

The Onyonyo came in-different styles — all of which were regal. There were those with the Empire bust line, flowing out into bell shape below; this was
traditionally called ‘Ekara lsong̓ (round bottom). There were  high-necked versions with a
full-fitted and be-ribboned top which accentuated the figure..
The sleeves enhanced the beauty of the dresses-from the simple layered versions to the opulent, trailing ones, known traditionally as )boro lko Edem(that Which answers questions from behind).

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