A Nigerian fashion designer has sparked widespread discussion after revealing the process behind a controversial outfit showcased at the #AMVCA12 awards, which involved the use of over 37 live chickens for feather extraction.
In a video circulating across Nigerian news platforms, the designer identified as Shasha explained the concept behind the outfit, describing it as a “living masterpiece” inspired by craftsmanship and nature. She said the piece, titled “Force of Nature,” was created to represent life’s uncertainties, struggles, and resilience. According to her, each feather used in the design symbolised a stage of life, while the sharp edges of the outfit were meant to reflect difficult experiences.
She further stated that the creative direction was intended to connect fashion with the realities of life, describing the process as intentional and symbolic rather than purely aesthetic. Her comments have since generated mixed reactions across social media, with users divided over the concept, ethics, and artistic expression behind the design.
Below are some of the reactions:
Eric Favour: “I’m not surprised Nigeria and sacrifice nah 5&6 If blood never flow we never start 37 chickens 😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣”
Suaveuc: “Let animal rights activists in the western world not see this oooo. They will cry wolf and seek prosecution…Talmbout…violence against chickens.”
Mr R: “I will always say this, Cameroon 🇨🇲 English speaking part , have same craftsmanship with Nigeria 🇳🇬, love this for my Cameroon people”
ifeanyi: “Our designers are good menh. I think we lack a global audience”
Samuel Emem: “Who else noticed when the live chicken popped (shit) on the dress, while she was talking 😭💔”
Engr Abiodun MFR🇳🇬🇬🇧🦅💜💰: “I am very happy our fashion creatives outdid themselves this year! Impressive! All over the world, they were wowed! 👏🏾”
SoloMon’s X: “You sacrificed 37 innocent chickens for a cloth that you will never wear again?? What happened to artificial feathers?? Btw, where’s the meat??????”