There has always been a thing for exotic fashions, but today, African fashion seems to have people immersed within its’ bosoms. It’s now, more than ever, a fashion that’s IN fashion; it has evolved to become something more than each individual who chooses to clothe themselves with it.
Designers today in African fashion combine elements that really bring these garments to life.
Let’s explore what these key elements are!
1. Mixed Prints
This can be a very tricky and confusing trend to grasp, even outside African fashion. This can be difficult because mixing prints can easily be mistaken for mismatching. Catherine Addai from AFWNY shows how to execute this trend well!
2. Fun Silhouettes
Other than colors, shapely silhouettes add vivacity to a garment. Admas Mahdere’s designs show that you don’t have to show much skin to be sexy.
3. Colorful Accessories
African clothing may not always be as vibrant as we picture it to be. Your dress may have a sleek and subtle design that when paired with the right accessories, can be taken to another level. On the other hand, you may just want a purse that brings out a certain color in the garment you’re wearing. We love how MAFI, Cinnamon & Pearl, and Catherine Addai execute this notion.
4. Prints + Solids
Another fashionable way to wear African fabrics is to pair them with solid (uni-colored) tops OR bottoms. Watch and learn from AFWNY designers Sydney Davies and Farai Simoyi.
5. Ruffles OR Wraps
One thing that we adore about African fashion is that most of the traditional designs are utilized today. Ruffles and wraps have ALWAYS been used for design; whether it’s on the sleeve of an elegant blouse or at the bottom of a mermaid skirt. Look at how Aliakim does it!
Adiree Company is a media, marketing, and marketplace group reaching multicultural consumers. Every month, readers turn to content by Adiree — for impactful conversation, our marketing and it’s marketplace to engage with meaningful products. Focusing on everything from culture, lifestyle to careers, Adiree Company leverages the power of diversity and heritage to engage and empower. Adiree Company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Lagos Nigeria.