Today's post is dedicated to african prints.They have been everywhere this season. Its has gained popularity in the global fashion scene since early 2010.You have also spotted them in so many collection this season.What is Ankara ? you would ask" Ankara are vibrant patterns of very rich colorful designs. It is mostly made of 100% cotton or cotton poly material. Originally the wax resist dyed fabrics were exported to the Gold Coast and spread over West Africa into Central Africa and were largely produced in Nigeria. They became extremely popular over time and were initially worn as everyday casual outfits customized to suit the designs of the person wearing it. Africans are very creative and use these bold, festive fabrics to tell stories, poems and traditional African tales. Depending on the pattern of the design a specific name is given for example you will often hear people refer to the different design names like star, concord, shell, etc.The cotton fabric used for Ankara is cool and durable and can be worn in various styles. African waxes are commonly worn in parties, weddings and other similar African occasions as aso-ebi. This is a Yoruba phrase for family cloth. The custom in Nigeria was for people from the same family to wear the same cloth to show you belong to a certain family. Now it can be worn as a uniform for the same group of friends in a party or more commonly in African "My dress is designed and tailored by my Aunt from Ankara fabrics.The turban head tie is a scarf also from an African fabric with the name Adire, which translate Tie dye from Yoruba language. Adire is a indigo dyed cloth made by Yoruba women in the south western part of Nigeria.My tribe as you can see have a very rich and creative culture. Most of us young people of my generation, snob all these because we are too westernised.When I was in Nigeria, my school fine art teacher gave my class a project I won't forget.We actually make our own Adire fabrics. It was one of those little experience I cherished from my boarding house days in Nigeria.
Element of this look:Dress: Ankara custom made.Turban: Adire scarfSunnies: RomweNecklace: EfoxcityWedges: Sugarfree Bag: Vintage
Praying for mama Africa to never run dry of its natural resources and for the youth of that continent to always remember to honor their culture.I know this post is getting out of the "normal" outfit post and going more on a historical class, forgive me and bear with me.I want to take this opportunity to introduce you to a Nigerian Label that uses ankara to create custom-made accessories for women.Take a glimpse into their creative work and I promise you a proper post to introduce them.
They are called Hesey Designs.More on them later.For now, Happy New month of July and happy Monday!!Have a wonderful and productive week my dolls.Bisous.
