Damon Mcknight
African lace is an industrial fabric that connects Austria and Nigeria. Before the outbreak of World War II, Austria supplied lace to as many as 66 countries. Today, Lagos is the centre of the African lace trade, and it is where merchants from other parts of the country buy their stock. If you're looking to buy African lace in Austria, you can try online stores such as Etsy or Jansen Holland.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online Stores | Etsy, Alibaba, Jansen Holland |
| Types of Lace | Swiss Voile lace, French lace, Ghana lace |
| Colors | Black, white, ivory cream |
| Minimum Order Quantity | 1 yard, 5 yards, 100 yards, 500 meters, 300 meters |
| Countries Involved in the Trade | Austria, Nigeria, China, India, Dubai, Britain, the Netherlands, French Morocco, the Dutch East Indies, the USA, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, the British West Indies, Japan, Mexico |
| Historical Overview Sources | Interviews with time witnesses in Nigeria, Austria, and Switzerland |
| Challenges | Visa restrictions, import bans |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Nigerian businesswomen buying African lace in China, India, Dubai
In Nigeria, wearing "lace" to official or festive occasions is almost mandatory. These colourful lace textiles have been defining the appearance of Nigerians worldwide for over fifty years and have become an intrinsic element of their festive clothing and fashion.
In the golden age of the African lace business in Nigeria, Austrians were the market leaders. By 1928, Austria was supplying sixty-six countries with lace, including India, China, and the British West Indies. However, in 2006, the Republic of Austria banned travellers from Nigeria from entering the country, which led to Nigerian businesswomen increasingly travelling to China, India, or Dubai to buy African lace.
In China, Nigerian businesswomen can purchase lace without the restrictions they face in Austria. China was one of the many countries supplied with lace by Austria as early as 1928. China is known for its diverse and vibrant textile markets, where buyers can find a wide range of fabrics, including lace. Nigerian businesswomen can source lace in China without the need for visas or travel restrictions.
India is another destination for Nigerian businesswomen seeking to purchase African lace. Historically, India has been a significant market for embroidered textiles, with a particular demand for dress fabrics embroidered with artificial silk. By 1928, Austria was already supplying lace to British India. Today, Indian markets offer a variety of embroidered fabrics, including lace, and Nigerian businesswomen can freely purchase these textiles without the visa issues they face in Austria.
Dubai has emerged as a rising trading centre for African lace, attracting Nigerian businesswomen who can travel there freely without restrictions. Dubai's growing reputation as a trade hub makes it an attractive destination for those seeking to purchase lace in bulk. The city's vibrant textile markets offer a diverse range of fabrics, including African lace, making it a convenient and accessible option for Nigerian buyers.
Exploring Bad Tolz: Austria's Neighboring German Town
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Lagos: the centre of the African lace trade
Lagos is the current hub of the African lace trade. Merchants from across Nigeria flock to the city to buy their stock, and it is from here that the rest of the country is supplied.
The history of industrial embroidery in Nigeria is largely unwritten, but we do know that Lagos's role as a centre for the trade has been developed over several decades. In the 1920s, Austria was a major supplier of lace to 66 countries worldwide, including Nigeria. At this time, Austria's largest markets were the British West Indies, Great Britain, the Netherlands, French Morocco, and the Dutch East Indies. The demand for lace in North Africa was for colourful fringed shawls and richly embroidered dress fabrics.
In the 1970s, Nigeria experienced a ban on imports, which caused a "Nigeria shock" for Austrian companies, as the West African country was their largest market. Despite the ban, Austrian embroidery companies continued to deliver to Nigeria, as the profit margin was so high that the occasional loss was worth the risk. However, the ban did cause Austrian exporters to shift their focus to the neighbouring Republic of Benin.
Nowadays, Nigerian businesswomen are increasingly travelling to China, India, or Dubai to purchase lace, or they may buy from manufacturers in Austria and Switzerland. One such manufacturer is Jansen Holland House of Premium African Fabrics, which offers luxury laces like Swiss Voile lace, with fine embroidery, shine, and glitter, made with the best materials.
Wildlife in Austria: Exploring Nature's Untamed Side
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Nigerian-Austrian relations in the lace industry
Nigeria and Austria have a long history of relations in the lace industry. As far back as 1928, Austria was supplying lace to British Africa, among 65 other countries across the globe.
In the years leading up to 1977, over 90% of Austrian embroidery exports were destined for Nigeria. However, this relationship suffered a setback when, in 1976, Nigeria implemented import restrictions, which culminated in a general ban on imports from Austria in 1977. This ban was intended to strengthen local industry and preserve Nigeria's foreign exchange reserves. Despite the ban, Austrian lace continued to enter the country, with embroidery companies delivering their goods and absorbing the occasional losses from impounded goods due to the high-profit margin on these trades. However, the controls were eventually reinforced, and Austrian producers were forced to ship their products to neighbouring countries, such as the Republic of Benin.
The relationship between the two countries in the lace industry faced further challenges when, in the early 2000s, the Republic of Austria banned travellers from Nigeria from entering the country. This ban threatened the close business relationships between Nigerian businesswomen and Vorarlberg embroidery industrialists. As a result, Nigerian buyers began to turn to other markets, such as China, India, and Dubai, where they faced fewer travel restrictions.
Despite these challenges, the lace industry continues to connect Austria and Nigeria. Lagos, Nigeria, is currently the centre of the African lace trade, and Austrian-made lace is still in demand for Nigerian weddings. Additionally, Austrian lace is featured by premium African fabric companies, such as Jansen Holland, which offers Swiss voile laces produced by manufacturers in Austria.
Bad in Austria: A Cultural Understanding of "Bad
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Buying African lace in Austria: Etsy
Etsy is a great place to buy African lace in Austria. With a variety of sellers offering African lace fabric, you can find unique and beautiful options to suit your needs.
One of the benefits of shopping on Etsy is the ability to find specialised and handcrafted items. Many sellers on Etsy offer personalised, made-to-order items, allowing you to add your own touch to the African lace you purchase. Whether you're looking for a specific colour, pattern, or style, you can work directly with sellers to create something truly special.
When browsing Etsy for African lace, you'll come across a range of options. From delicate Swiss voile laces with intricate embroidery to vibrant and colourful fabrics, the variety is sure to inspire your creativity. You can find African lace in different widths and lengths, ensuring you have the right amount for your project.
Shopping on Etsy also offers convenience and peace of mind. Many sellers provide free shipping for orders over $35 USD, making it affordable to get your desired items. Plus, with clear policies and procedures, you can confidently make purchases, knowing your rights as a buyer.
Overall, when looking to buy African lace in Austria, Etsy is an excellent choice. With a wide selection, personalised options, and a seamless shopping experience, you can find unique and high-quality African lace to suit any occasion or creative endeavour.
Austria's Pollution Problems: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Jansen Holland: House of Premium African Fabrics
At Jansen Holland, we offer a wide range of laces, styles, designs, and colours to suit any occasion. Our Swiss voile laces, in particular, are renowned for their fine embroidery, shine, and glitters, crafted with the best materials from around the world. With our limited-edition luxury laces, you can be assured of an exclusive design and colour that will make your celebration truly memorable.
Our online store makes it easy for you to find the perfect lace for your needs. Whether it's a marriage, anniversary, or any other special event, Jansen Holland has you covered. Our experts have carefully selected a range of options, so you're sure to find something that suits your taste and makes you stand out from the crowd.
At Jansen Holland, we understand the cultural significance of lace in West African celebrations. That's why we take pride in offering the finest lace that will make your special moments even more extraordinary. So, if you're looking for premium African fabrics, look no further than Jansen Holland. We invite you to explore our collection and discover the beauty of our luxurious laces.
AKM Austria: Understanding the Unique Copyright Collective
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can buy African lace in Austria from Jansen Holland House of premium African fabrics and Etsy.
African lace is known for its exclusive design and embroidery. It is often characterized by shine, glitter, and vibrant colours.
African lace is typically worn during celebrations and special occasions, such as weddings and anniversaries.
