Emerging trends in African Styling and Stylists

Africa is a continent where the fashion is as beautiful as it’s nature and wildlife. She is rich in cultural heritage and her fashion today is creative, innovative and every other thing but boring. Even the Western fashion is being influenced by Africa. A great influence to many Western fashion designers, many of them draw inspiration from her people, culture and history. Our fine textiles which vary from country to country in the region are now being infused and modified in the world’s fashion today.

  Just like any other part of the world, the African fashion often re-emerges from season to season. The traditional African clothings such as Dashiki, Kente, Tie & Dye, Brocade amongst others often have a huge comeback with different stylists recreating their overall look with a touch of the Western fashion. There are trends that have emerged as a result of different stylists being creative. 

  The African textiles are versatile and can be worn to parties, casual gatherings, churches, mosques and even in the corporate world. Some of them include

* Aso Oke woven by the Yoruba people in Nigeria

* Chitenge produced in Zambia

* Kente produced by the Ashanti and Ewe people of Ghana

* Adire now known as Tie & Dye produced by the Yoruba people

* Kanga produced in Tanzania

 

Today, individuals have different ways of rocking fashion trends based on their style which is often influenced by religion, celebrities, friends, individual preferences, moral upbringing etc. One common African trend is the Ankara wears. From Ankara head wraps to bags, gowns, skirts, shoes and even accessories, the fabric promotes the African culture and keeps getting better every year. The fabric is now being used to produce most of the trendy clothing items now popularly worn.

 

Some of these fashion trends include

* Kimono jacket - originally from Japan, kimonos come in various lengths. There are various ways to style a kimono but the beauty of the dress is that it transforms the overall look of your outfit. It can be rocked with trousers, shorts or even a simple dress for the ladies.

* Off shoulders - From tops to gowns, off shoulders is still a trend for females. They reveal the shoulders and the neck line and give a sassy look to whoever wears them.

* Fringes - They make dresses stand out, it is always catches the eye. It originated as a way of preventing a cut piece of fabric from unraveling when a hemming was not used. Several strands of fabric are sewn together to achieve this look.

* Bell hands - This is a throwback from the 70’s. It gives any dress or blouse a very feminine look and can be worn by all ages. It is attached to the hands of the cloth to give it a bold and catch look.

* Cross body bags - most people transitioned from carrying Fanny packs to cross body bags. How ever, these bags are small and a great way to carry your stuff fashionably

* Flares - With a thin upper leg and a bigger ankle, these trousers are sure to make a statement anywhere you go.

* Head accessories - Head bands, scarves, hats and berets are no longer gender specific as both males and females can fashionably wear these items to match their outfit.

* Tulle designs - This trend seems to have caught the attention of many ladies. It is uniquely feminine and fits all body types. They have either one or multiple flaring layers and can either be dresses, skirts, tops or trousers.

* Multi-toned designs - Made with several colors, this style is eye-catching, colorful and fashionable and is for both genders

* Statement sleeves - This trend is definitely for those who are fashion bold and like to make a statement with their clothes when they are out.

 

All these trends and more have influenced the African fashion industry. African stylists are taking advantage of these to make their brands popular and also promote the rich heritage of the African culture.

 

Oyeteju Akintunde

OS/19B/3420