Understanding the African Street Fashion

For a very long time, the African fashion sense was not fully understood. Black people were called names just because of the way we dressed and sure enough, people not only began to see the deep rooted cultural values in our modes of dressing, they began to incorporate it piece by piece into their various clothing. Of course, when it comes down to African fashion certain things come to mind prints, patterns and color to mention a few.

As time has progressed we have the all round evolution of what is known as the African fashion. We have moved from the Damask era to Ankara to Kente and the likes, each material being worn in a specific way to tell a story. Understanding our fashion would be a tad difficult if we don’t go through history so take a seat, relax while we bring you through this highly esteemed part of the African culture.

Brief History of African Fashion

Its history is as bright and colorful as the materials use. Tracking of the history of fashion can be a bit challenging but historians believe it started over 75,000 years ago. Ancient arts in Egypt suggest to us the type of textile in existence at that time. Materials like animal skin, fur, feathers and bark cloth, were used. Going by the arts found it is suggested these materials were mostly used as aprons. Later on, much more fancy materials were made from cotton.

Africa fashion has come a long way from the days of furs and feathers. Now we have numerous prints from the Kitenge from East Africa to the Kente cloth in West Africa.

African designs

Africa is all about history, every color and every stitch tell a story of deep historical connection. And these connections have been preserved from generation to generation by numerous means. The stories told through the print from mother to child etc.

Now African designers have spread their wings and are starting to integrate Africa designs into modern outfits and gradually, the beauty, uniqueness and genuineness of our materials are being seen and accepted by the world!

History done, here is what the African Street fashion is all about

• Standing out: You will notice the ability of African prints to fuse colors beautifully. This is what the street fashion entails, bright, vibrant, daring, youthful and unique designs all rolled into one.
• Versatility: The African fashion is about versatility. One piece of clothing is never rendered useless; there are countless matches and different styling options. Conceived from the deepest cultural values and roots, you can be assured that your clothing is one of a kind.
• Style and History: If there is anything mother Africa is known for, it is its rich and beautiful history. The street is a vital part of Africa, and the fashion is second to none. You witness raw, uninhibited talent when you take a deep look at the street fashion. Be a part of it!

Up your everyday style by incorporating one or two African prints today. You can never go wrong with one or two street inspired style!