African Fashions

I was looking through some runway pictures and that gave me an inspiration on what to write today.  I’m not talking about the interesting dresses that rocked the runways; I’m talking about the people behind African fashion who have made it a mainstream in the fashion industry?  I give kudus to all the designers out there who have really made an exceptional effort to showcase the beauty of the African style in their choice of fabrics, prints and designs.

With my inclination towards simple cuts, prints, and vibrant hues, obviously enough, I want to go first with those designers that has captivated me with their take on the fusion of colors and created a striking balance in giving a modern touch to the traditional African fashion.

Korto Momolu, the fashion designer who won first runner-up on the fifth season of the hit show Project Runway has always caught my attention with her expert taste in the selection of fabrics and rich hues.  Her designs are truly inspired by her African roots and she has shown this in many glorious ways.  Check out a few of her designs that never went out of style.

Syl Anim has done many creative designs that are always awe-inspiring.  With her passion for intricate handmade weave designs, she has showcased a style that is also uniquely African.  For her creations, she uses authentic African fabrics, beads, wood, wool, and many other embellishments that she sets her eye on.  See one of her work below.

Gloria Wavamunno creates a fashion statement that is uniquely inspired by the culture, music, and colors of Africa.  See how she has brought a fresh take to the African prints.

These few designers have made excellent contributions in bringing African fashion to what it is today.  Not only are they big on talent, they have a big heart.  They have supported many charitable institutions with their work. I hope to see more of their designs showcased in the runways.  There are still a lot more I want to feature and many designs that a want to talk about next time.  It’s really amazing how talent can help the world.

Great lengths are making a striking comeback this season.   In true bohemian fashion, spice up your wardrobe with fabulous maxis that can be pulled off in an instant.  The glamorous combination of floor-grazing hemlines and vibrant prints brings together a look that exudes confidence, elongates the figure, and provide an excellent balance of modesty with subtle sultriness.   With minimum effort, this lengthy frock can create a maximum impact.  Anyone can rock a maxi, young and old, tall and petite, slim and chubby.  So don’t worry, there’s always a maxi for all shapes and colors.

With the maxi’s long flowing silhouette, important details are embodied on the upper half of the dress.  Usually, the top portions are fitted on the bust or on the waist. Thus, when choosing a maxi, make sure it fits your upper body perfectly.  Make sure the bust area is about the right size to avoid dragging the entire dress down.  For strapless maxis, watch out for bodice that makes the perfect fit – too tight makes your skin pop out from the sides and too loose only means trouble.

Never go overboard and tacky with your maxi.  Maxi dresses makes a statement from its long silhouette and elegant prints, so don’t go for more ruffles, bell sleeves, bows and more fancies.  Do not overkill with accessories like fedoras, furs, or funky beads.  Retro and maxis just don’t blend well.  If you want to accessorize, think modern and chic.  Sleeker accessories can update the maxi look with effortless drama.

Maxis are ultra refreshing and breezy.  It can go overtime from formals to casuals.  It is simply an all-season staple, so never hesitate to wear one!  A touch of make-up and nice colored nails along with your maxi, and you’re all set to go.

Shopping anytime soon?  Trying to figure out the right balance between hard-core urban style and traditional basics?  Sometimes the basics can make you surprisingly sexy, and sometimes you need a good urbanized ensemble to keep up with today’s trends.  Well, I found both in one store and I am just as happy to blab about it. Since I don’t want to keep the excitement all to myself I will share with you some amazing finds and must-haves that every African-American girl out there shouldn’t live without.

This dress says sexy in every way, is this urban or basic?  It’s a balance of both.  Its fine V-neck pattern complemented with full exquisite tie-die print and sheer wide sleeves exudes nothing but “sheer elegance”.  It’s flowing, breezy, and feminine design is an expression of true grace, beauty, and exoticism.  This is one piece of clothing that’s both dressy and comfy and I can surely flaunt it with ease.  It is not too tight fitting and it flows really well with every stride.  Plus the fabric is so soft and gentle.  Oh I just love it!

This one is a traditional basic and currently my favorite piece of practical and most comfortable clothing.  It is what I call “rustic elegance”.    The colors and prints are just beyond perfection to liven up a gloomy day.  It’s fun and exciting to wear this top.  I can pair it with any bottom from leggings to cowboy shorts and I can unbelievably pull it off pretty well.  What’s more, I can wear it anywhere, from the beach to the mall.  So I guess, it meets urban half-way.

The color complements perfectly to my ebony skin!  The intricate patterns are so pretty and a real work of art.   This is what I call “casual elegance”.  I can wear it with about any errand and it’s suitable enough with any occasion if I add a twist of accessories to go along with it.

I love shopping.  And isn’t it great to do that at the comforts of our own homes?  It is extremely convenient and it offers unparalleled products to choose from.  So much has been said but one thing’s for sure, it’s amazing to realize that the greatest freedom in fashion is to know that you have a choice…

Are you an online shopper?   Do you want to share your online shopping experience?  I’d be delighted to hear from you.  Check also Facebook and Twitter for more catches from Afrawear.

Now that’s an absurd question!  But for those fashion savvies like me, that’s an interesting topic that would spark excitement and trigger curiosity… To some they would probably say, “I’m that colorful sundress because I have a sunny, vibrant, and lively personality!” or “I am that kaftan dress coz I am a proud African!” Others would simply say, “I’m that plus size dress coz I have a big heart!” Wow, beat that! Many things could be said about dresses, what they mean to you, how they relate to you, and what you might be if you were a dress.

If you have style aspirations, then most usually, they are the dress that you would want to represent you.  Over time, several symbolisms have prevailed and hold up meanings to some of our favorite dresses.  So to name a few, here they are:

The dashing little red dress has always rocked throughout the ages.   It represents an exciting and exhilarating life.  Flaunt it if you want to portray a look with a dash of fearlessness and a zest of fun.

The flimsy white dress is never boring.  It is a symbol of innocence, purity and chasteness.  The white dress is a good sign of virtue and can help you project an image of extreme freshness and neatness.

The iconic little black dress has known to always pull off an illusion of slim figure and sophistication.  Black is the color of mystery, authority, power, self-control, resilience and confidence.  So if you want to feel the way the dress symbolizes, don on that little black dress.

The abstract printed dress favors an impression of complexity and artistry.  Discover a side of you that’s left to be unveiled.

Colors and styles play significant roles in the varying meanings, symbols, and terms of the many dresses worldwide. It depends on the varying cultures, traditions, and beliefs all in all. African dress fashions have varying meanings depending on the many regions of Africa.  Western apparel is more modern and the colors play the part in its symbolism.   There are still a lot of dresses I have left off.  But if you want to know more, leave a post and I would be delighted to give you a clue of what they mean.

Now, back to my question, if you were a dress, which dress would you be?  There are more options to help you decide, check out Facebook and Twitter.