-THE RED CAP
The ‘red cap’ worn by chiefs in Igboland symbolizes authority, tradition, and culture; and it also represents the entire institution of leadership, authority, and power. The wearers of the Igbo red cap are usually men who have fulfilled certain obligations and maintained the standards laid down in their various communities.
They are recognized in the different communities in Igboland by names such as ‘Nzes’, ‘Ichies’, ‘Ozos’, ‘Ogbuefis’ and others.
But somehow, everything in life revolves around each other. The Ankara fabric, which once upon a time was a fabric used by the less-privileged in society, now grace catwalks worldwide because it is mused with creations from the western culture. The fabric is not just designed, it is also beaded and embroidered depending on the designer. They also are now printed in different textures to give more versatility in creation.
The Red cap has also gone the same route and is now being worn as a fashion item not just traditionally. They add an extra edge because of their colour, so much so that it fused with any type of outfit it is worn with and not just limited to conventional traditional styles. It looks just as good worn with a shirt and a pair of jeans all the way to a smartly tailored traditional attire. Such is its flexibility that it is fast becoming a hot favourite for those who have their eye on the pulse button when it comes to fashion and style!