Event 5- African Print Fashion Now!

This exhibit was at the Fowler Museum on UCLA’s campus and it was speaking my kind of language. It was a room full of fashion, color and clothes. These were not your average clothes. They were very extravagant with unique patterns and very colorful. These bold clothes are home to Africa fashion. While the clothes themselves were made in Europe, the design stays true to its roots. Different countries in Africa have different styles, but each piece of clothing is made my hand and personalized. These African ensembles consist of wrap skirts, head dresses, ruffles, jewelry, handbags and shoes. African fashion has always been very distinct but in the past decade it has gone international. Many African fashion designers are bringing their bright colors and bold design to runways all over the world.

(Courtesy of: Jordan Anderson)                                                                           (Courtesy of: Jordan Anderson)

            Each culture and nation had a different twist on their clothing. Each piece of clothing has a story behind it whether it is a “narrative of self-expression, stories of family and history, or images of cutting edge global chic.” While each piece of clothing is unique, each country has two different basic styles. The first is a 20^th century three-piece ensemble consisting of a long wrap skirt, top and scarf. The second style is a more modern style consisting of dresses, jackets and pants.

                              (Courtesy of: Jordan Anderson)                                              (Courtesy of: Jordan Anderson)

           

            In Nigeria, the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa women have similar styles and are known for their cotton print to create their ensemble of a rap skirt and a top. Nigerians have worn this style for many years and have not shied away from it. The only time they wear a different pattern or style of clothing is when they attend a wedding.

                                (Courtesy of: Jordan Anderson)                                       (Courtesy of: Jordan Anderson)

            In Cameroon, the clothing there is more global. While you can find may traditional patterns in marketplaces across Cameroon, seamstresses have begun to reach out to social media for inspiration. They want to create a trendier style of African ensembles. The busiest time of the year for Cameroon seamstresses are January and February. International Women’s Day is March 8^th, and many people purchase new outfits for the parades and festivities during this day. Each year there are two colors chosen as the official colors of International Women’s Day. Women choose one of the two colors to have their outfits made of, so when they are in the crowds at International Women’s Day, they are looking out onto a sea of women dressed as one in a collective style. Since many of the women who are celebrated on this day create these outfits in the months leading up to it, many partake in the celebrations of this day.

              

                  (Courtesy of: Jordan Anderson)                                    (Courtesy of: Jordan Anderson)

            In Senegal, the culture prides themselves on keeping their work hand crafted, dyed and stitched. Young women favor the ensembles with three pieces consisting of a fitted top over a long wrap skirt. Typical leisure clothing consists of the same pieces, but a looser fitting. In the recent years, the style has not changed, but the cuts, prints and accessories have evolved with the modern style.   

                                                   (Courtesy of: Jordan Anderson)

            African Styles have remained traditional, yet have adapted to modern styles. Different cultures print, ensembles and stories are reached across the nation, and have made their way into factories. While hand crafted African clothing is still cherished, the fact that they can be mass produced and sent all over the world, has really helped keep these traditions alive. Africans who have migrated to other countries are able to still wear their traditional dress, and expand their culture in these other countries. African fashion has separated itself and has become very distinct through its use of bright colors, bizarre patters yet beautiful uniqueness.

                     (Courtesy of: Jordan Anderson)                                                                 (Courtesy of: Jordan Anderson)