The way forward for Nigerian Fashion After the Pandemic.
In 2020 the world turned upside down after the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world. Although many industries were halted because of the lockdowns, artists and designers took a hard hit during this time. Mainly because most of the revenue of these artists and designers is generated by live shows and exhibitions as well as their physical outlets.
Similarly, the warehouses and factories had to be shut resulting in a lack of new collections at both online and physical stores. This is why the fashion industry is among the worst-hit industries by the pandemic.
However, will Nigerian fashion designers survive this hit? Read on to find out.
Just like the fashion industry around the world, Nigerian fashion designers and artisans also felt the shocks of the pandemic as it led to a massive downfall in revenue collection.
However, as each sector has to adapt to the changes, the fashion industry also needs to adapt to an online presence where people can buy things off the internet without having the need to visit the stores and participate in shows online.
Making use of the internet
The way forward for the fashion industry around the globe and especially in Nigeria is to adapt to the world of social media.
Live coverage on the internet with a minimum audience at the site is the best way to ensure that people stay safe.
Will designers survive this blow?
The answer to this question is subjective. However, yes, designers who were quick to be a part of having an online presence will thrive in the post pandemic world.
Even if we don’t consider the pandemic, Gen Z is more inclined towards online commerce instead of the traditional ways of shopping. So, it’s good to have the ability to reinvent your business model.
Similarly, people prefer watching shows from the comfort of their homes. Therefore, the online fashion show idea can also be successful if executed properly.
Designers who will keep reinventing their approach accordingly to the contemporary world will not only survive but thrive in the post pandemic world.
Moving on, it does seem a little far stretched but fashion designers can hold their live shows on a metaverse (blockchain) to make it more accessible for people.
Now that the vaccines are starting to roll out, people will fall out of this pursuit but it is pertinent to find solutions for future problems and be brave to face the challenges head on.
Securing the future
The fashion designers around the world as well as in Nigeria can survive this crucial time by ensuring that they are smart with their decisions.
For example, taking out low profit and investing the gross profit back into the business to keep it afloat.
Similarly, designers can try to boost up their sales by advertising online instead of being bummed at the fact that they cannot earn money or exhibit their work in a live show.
To sum it all up
The current pandemic has changed how things functioned around the world. Although it might not be the most favorable way to do things. But, fashion designers and artists can only survive and thrive in the post pandemic world by being more dependent on their online presence for revenue.
Instead of being stubborn and sticking to the conventional ways, it’s better to adapt to the changing dynamics. This approach will keep the fashion industry in Nigeria afloat.
Similarly, designers should understand that it’s okay for an idea to fail. The key is to not get stuck in a creativity block and keep creating new pieces.
