OPINION
LIFESTYLE
African Prints
These are materials or traditional clothing, often in vibrant colours and patterns, worn traditionally by people who live Africa. In many instances, traditional garments have been replaced by western clothing, but now traditional prints are spilling into the western fashion industry.
In countries like Liberia, where up until 2003- when a peace deal ended 14 years of devastating civil war- tens of thousands of Liberians were living as refugees in Ivory Coast, Ghana and Guinea. Since then, most of them have returned to their home towns, bringing with them fashion influences that have translated into a vibrant homegrown industries.
Check out these designs and styles for some ideas on how to incorporate African prints into your next stylish outfit.
A patch-work printed top accessorized with traditional African embellishments. It is part of the Junya Watanabe Menswear Spring/Summer 2016/2017 collection. Photo: João Chalœmponn/ Flickr
This is a homemade African printed top by designer Laura Jane. Photo: Laura Jane/ Flickr
This African printed bow-tie and patched shorts adds a modern twist to the traditional suit. It is part of the Junya Watanabe Menswear Spring/Summer 2016/2017 collection. Photo: João Chalœmponn/ Flickr
This ‘go big or go home’ full printed mens suit is one of our favourites. The vibrant patterns with contrasting colours gives this look a trendy endge. Photo: Kb/ Flickr
For an ‘everyday’ look. Photo: ANP/AFP/ Zoom Dosso
This artistic ponchos can be worn in all seasons. Photo: Ryan Houston/ Flickr
This stylish shorts was made in Serekunda, Gambia called Batik African fabric. This look also includes an African twist to the modern ‘man bag’. Photo: Camden New Journal/ Flickr
