In the ever dynamic world of fashion, African fashion continues to hold its head high among contemporary styles. Just like African music, film and art, African fashion has gained global recognition and influence in recent years, with African designers showcasing their work on international runways and celebrities embracing African-inspired fashion.
According to https://www.umi1.co.uk/blogs, African fashion is currently in the global spotlight such that it is almost impossible to ignore, from runways to its use by celebrities in music videos and film.
“When influential people like Beyoncé and Michelle Obama step out on red carpets wearing African clothing, they turn heads, and reinforce trends to follow,” it says.
African fashion includes a variety of loose-fitting and draped garments, with a focus on comfort and cultural symbolism. Traditional clothing like dashikis and kaftans are examples.
Despite the cultural interactions between African and Western fashion and styles, African fashion style has retained its distinctive features from other styles, and this is attributable to several factors.
1. Cultural diversity
Africa is incredibly diverse, a continent of fifty-four independent countries and a multitude of ethnic groups, each with its own distinct fashion traditions, textiles, and aesthetics. This diversity leads to a rich tapestry of styles and designs.
This diversity also means that African styles often draw inspiration from diverse cultures, traditions, and histories across the continent, resulting in a wide array of artistic forms, patterns, and materials.
As a result, African styles frequently incorporate traditional fabrics such as kente, Ankara, mudcloth, and batik, as well as natural materials like wood, beads, and shells.
Ankara is a vibrant and wax-resistant fabric often associated with West African fashion, made using batik-style techniques. Mudcloth is a traditional fabric from Mali, created by applying mud and plant dyes to cotton cloth in unique patterns. Kente, a colourful, handwoven fabric from Ghana made of silk and cotton threads, is known for its intricate geometric patterns. Kitenge is a versatile fabric used in East and Central Africa, characterized by bold, colourful designs.
2. Vibrant colours and patterns
African fashion, materials and textiles are known for the bold and vibrant use of colours and patterns, often inspired by nature, culture, and folklore that they symbolize. These unique combinations create eye-catching and memorable designs. The Abada and Isiagu of the Nigerian South-Easterners, for instance, are symbols of the rich culture and unique fashion of the Igbo.
3. Fusion of modern and traditional elements
African fashion designers frequently blend traditional elements with modern styles, creating innovative and culturally relevant fashion that appeals to both local and international markets. For example, they might take a traditional garment, such as a sari or kimono, and incorporate contemporary fabrics, patterns, or silhouettes to give it a modern twist.
4. Traditional craftsmanship
Many African fashion designers incorporate traditional craftsmanship techniques, such as beadwork, embroidery, and hand-dyeing fabrics. This emphasis on artisanal skills adds a unique touch to their creations. This is distinguishable from the Western styles that tend to incorporate a wider range of colours and patterns, but can also include more subdued, monochromatic, or minimalistic designs.
Beadwork: Many African cultures, like the Maasai in East Africa, are known for intricate beadwork in jewelry and clothing.
Leatherwork: Leather is used for items such as sandals, bags, and accessories in African fashion. Leather is got from skin of animals such as cattle, sheep and lamb. Artisans in regions like Morocco and Nigeria are known for their leather craftsmanship.
Woodwork: In various African countries, wood is used to create intricate carvings, including jewelry, masks, and accessories.
5. Storytelling through fashion
African fashion often tells stories about the wearer’s heritage, history, and identity, making it a powerful form of self-expression and cultural preservation. The symbolism behind a garment’s colour, texture, print, images, embellishments and silhouettes is how designers and brands tell their stories.
6. Sustainable practices
African fashion often prioritizes sustainability and ethical practices and celebrates the use of locally sourced and skilled artisans who work with local materials and supporting artisans. This aligns with the growing global demand for eco-concious fashion.
Overall, both African and Western fashion have their unique beauty and cultural significance, and in recent years, there has been a growing appreciation for the fusion of these styles, resulting in a global fashion landscape that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
