Meet Shade Thomas-Fahm: A Pioneer in Nigerian Fashion

In the vibrant mosaic of Nigeria's fashion heritage, one figure stands out as a luminary of innovation and imagination – Shade Thomas-Fahm. From her birth as Victoria Omọ́rọ́níkẹ Àdùkẹ́ Fọlashadé Thomas, she emerged as Nigeria's inaugural modern fashion architect, imprinting an enduring legacy on the country's sartorial canvas.

Early Life and Education:

Shade Thomas-Fahm was born on September 22, 1933, to the family of Bankole Ayorinde Thomas and Elizabeth Olaniwun Thomas. Her journey into the world of fashion began at the age of 12 when she started learning how to sew from a local dressmaker in Lagos. Despite initially pursuing studies in nursing in England in the 1950s, her passion for fashion took precedence, leading her to study fashion at St. Martin's School of Art (now Central Saint Martins) in London.

Career Beginnings:

Upon completing her fashion education, Shade Thomas-Fahm returned to Nigeria in 1960, coinciding with the year of Nigeria's independence. Eager to contribute to her homeland's development, she opened Maison Shade, the first fashion boutique in Nigeria, in Yaba, Lagos. From there, she embarked on a journey of transforming Nigerian fashion by championing indigenous fabrics and reimagining traditional styles for the modern woman.

Innovations and Influence:

Shade Thomas-Fahm's designs were characterized by her use of locally woven and dyed textiles, such as Aso Oke, Adire, Akwete, and Okene, to create modern contemporary styles. She introduced innovative designs like the pre-tied gèlè (headwrap) and transformed traditional garments like the iro and buba into fashionable attire. Her boutique, Shade's Boutique, became the go-to destination for stylish individuals in Lagos, attracting diplomats, royalty, and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Legacy and Recognition:

Throughout her career, Shade Thomas-Fahm influenced a generation of designers and cemented her legacy as a pioneer in Nigerian fashion. She received numerous accolades, including a lifetime achievement award at Arise Magazine's Fashion Week in Lagos in 2011. Her enduring impact on Nigerian fashion was celebrated at London's Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in 2022, underscoring her status as a trailblazer in the industry.

Shade Thomas-Fahm's journey from a young girl learning to sew in Lagos to Nigeria's first modern fashion designer is a testament to her talent, determination, and pioneering spirit. Her innovative designs and advocacy for indigenous fabrics have left an indelible mark on Nigerian fashion history, inspiring generations of designers to come. As we celebrate her legacy, let us remember Shade Thomas-Fahm as a true pioneer who transformed the Nigerian fashion landscape and paved the way for future generations of designers.