AFRICAN TEXTILES AND FASHION MATERIALS

 Dashiki

Dashiki is a loose fit multi-colored garment that resembles a shirt, though it might cover approximately half of your body. Most times it’s adorned with patterns and colors that are associated with African culture. Overtime, the dashiki became synonymous with black is beautiful. For the wearer it was ways to show a deep-seated interest and love for your African roots, and a way to consider in and exhibit one's position for full protection under the law in American culture.

Mudcloth

Mudcloth is a normal African textile that was initially manufactured in Mali, Western Africa. It’s typically characterized by white geometric designs on a black, dark brown, mustard, red or renewable record (although other colors are occasionally found).  Often, Mudcloth is folded and bought from sections. Black Mudcloth is the most popular and is mainly when relaying proverbs or telling stories typically. Symbols will in actuality be "built" in to the designs.

Asoke

 Asoke cloth is another important African textile that is wonderfully multi-colored and made in a time-honored fashion by the Yoruba folks of Nigeria. Created by using a variety of color and patterns schemes. This lovely cloth dates far back into the history, having been woven for more than 100 years within the traditional life-style for the Yoruba people. Looms discovered on various archaeological digs have validated the extended background of this cloth and the looms, which these were created. Asoke cloth is appreciated because of its durability and extended life.

George

George cloth is an extremely popular African textile that is adored because of its wonderful silver embroidery focus on fine textile. This textile will involve a very complex embroidery design that is repeated throughout the garment to provide it an extremely elaborate appearance. The gold embroidery often is employed against a very stunning color, which really accentuates both color of the garment and the richness of the yellow metal thread. George cloth is admired because of its fine design and luxurious look. Sales of George textile are especially high during Black History Month because the silver designs are so popular. Throughout Africa's background it was extremely popular for African royalty to adorn themselves with silver.

African Wax

Wax prints textiles are a good example of a material that primarily emerged to Africa from Indonesia via trade, and became area of the African life-style and custom through the adaptation by Africans, through the customization of its designs, symbols and colors. It's now a fundamental element of West and Central African society, with almost all of today's production centered in Ghana or Mali.

Kente

Kente Cloth is seen as a use of a variety of exciting colors in abundant, interesting designs utilizing geometric styles. Colors in Kente fabric stand for various things or periods of life. In the realm of African textiles, Kente cloth holds great significance. With roots in Ghana, it is recognized as the "king of cloths." With a captivating palette of colors, this cloth really represents the of Africa's people and is also closely from the spirit.

Kaftan

Kaftan in Western Africa, this garment for girls is known as a 'Boubou.' It is worn along with a colorful head cover known as a 'Gele' to the Yoruba people. There is also a version of the ‘boubou’ outfit for men, which consists of pants, a shirt, and a cap referred to as a 'kufi'. Worn for many types of occasions, these loose-fitting modest garments, are long (almost touching the floor) and are brightly colored and decorated. They’re convenient because of their form, as they are easy to put on and take off, but they are also easy to purchase since they are not form-fitting, and accommodate a myriad of body types all with a single one size fits all.

Evolution of African Fashion

Africa is mainly associated with customs of cultural entities in rural settings. Recently, this one-Dimensional Eurocentric perception has been contested by growing range of African fashion designers who are creating modern-day fashion in a cosmopolitan urban context. The actual fact that fashion is a worldwide phenomenon is definitely overlooked in the Western Africa served simply as backdrop for the traditional western creativity about the incredible pattern.

Over the past years, the one-sided perception of fashion belonging to the west has changed gradually. Moreover, Africa is among the most 'Fashions new Frontier'. That is due to the fact of growing volume of fashion designers and product labels that are being successful in the global world. Another good reason is the recent increase in metropolitan Africa; vibrant and diverse fashion scenes of local and importance are suffering from in many African cities. Fashion manufactured in Africa, (which range from haute couture to street-wear) is becoming equally popular by young African city-dwellers as well as in the diaspora with international fashion shows.

The rise of fashion design in Africa is carefully from the rapid procedure for urbanization all around the continent. Whereas Johannesburg and Lagos have already belonged to the principal fashion metropolitan areas in African and beyond for a while, new local fashion moments like those in Douala are rapidly emerging recently. The comparability between fashion designers from these three places highlights the structural, ethnic and aesthetically characteristics of the existing methods in Africa's fashion world. The comprehensive lack of fashion organizations assuring creation and advanced schooling in Africa, whether state or private owned leads to a situation where many African designers taught themselves their professional skills or through apprenticeships and stage abroad. Having less materials and widespread informality of African cities correspond with the standard education. Moreover, a similar picture is visibly connected to the production and distribution of fashion. However, usually the street-wear designs face fierce competition from secondhand clothes of the west and cheap imports from China.

Finally, Its important to know that Africans are more multiple color minded with regards to fashion, therefore most designs tend to have color mix, with this particular concept most designers are becoming even more creative combining artistic skills and imagination, thereby creating unique colorful designs which are admired all over the world. Nevertheless, globalization of the world has helped the development and commercialization of African clothing, that elements of the popular culture are fused to a genre of music, news or literature. Famous artists, stars are also influencing the trends.  

Simple Fashion Concept

1. Quality – It’s preferable to buy high-quality cloth that will last longer, and will also suitable for several seasons.
2.   Diversity – Having multiple collections, enriches the wardrobe and makes it trendy.
   
3.   Classic  - Practical and less colorful outfit, have proven to be classy and beautiful.
4. Versatility – Its better to have collections that can work for various events and season.
5.  Individuality – Bear in mind YOU ARE WHAT YOU WEAR, your personality reflects on your style.

7 essential accessories that every girl must have in her wardrobe

Every woman should own some accessories in her closet that are crucial for the summertime season. Along with the warm temperatures, it is crucial that her selection of clothes also shifts consequently. Since it is extremely hard to shop every change of season, it is always good to keep certain clothes convenient for all season.

Listed below are the 7 essential accessories that each girl will need to have in her clothing:

Heels: Whether it be a set of high or low ones, these look stylish and trendy with different kinds of dresses. You can wear skinny tight jeans along with these, while leggings will also work correctly fine. However, dresses suits perfectly with heels, apart from that, you can pair your denim dresses with these pumps also. These could serve for business attire, casuals and dinner outfit.

Black /White dress: When you have heard a black dress is vital for each girl, you have read it right. A sleek and elegant black dress can be worn to any formal occasion such as a business party or a gathering. You can couple this dress with any kind of jacket you prefer. The color of your top can be either light or dark, depending on your decision. It can be worn to a dinner or a party with friends also. This dress can make you look right just, neither too formal nor too casual. Also white dress is also typical as dark-colored dress. A straightforward white cotton dress can be more comfortable for the physical body during the very warm season.  Always remember that for every fashion black color/white color is universal for other colors.

A black blazer: You could either choose a formal blazer or a everyday one, depending on your decision. However, to be on the safer area, it is best to truly have a blazer that is clearly a mixture of both. You can wear this blazer on the lunch break outing with friends or even to an ongoing business display. Deciding on the best dress or t-shirt to be worn with the blazer is vital for an elegant look. For conferences, it is advisable to wear a buttoned shirt under the blazer. However, if you are dating friends, you can certainly slide in an everyday top under the blazer with a set of denims or a skirt.

Purse and handbags: Holding an oversized carrier to a company dinner is a particular not appropriate; a clutch works better for this occasion. Hence, it is important for women to have different kinds of handbags. Purses, clutches, large handbags, beach handbags and stylish wallets should become a part of your wardrobe. An oversized bag is wonderful for the fall season, as you'll need to stuff the layers of clothing that you wear in the event you suddenly start feeling warm.

Scarves: The ultimate way to alternate color combos is best done with scarfs mainly, it could be multiple or solitary colors. Scarves can be paired with jeans and tee-shirt for a everyday and trendy look. Also, you can incorporate different printed scarves with your blazer or jacket to be able to obtain a cool and chic appearance. You'll find different kinds of paper scarves on Tiger People, which may look good with any winter costume. You can even try different varieties of tying the headscarf, which can help produce a variation in your lifestyle.

Jewelries: Accessories such as charms tend to be the "cherry at the top" to a standard costume or look. An effective costume isn't truly complete minus the right accessories, rings. A "classic” or “chic" look for example absolutely requires diamonds and pearls in order to be considered whole. Even if one isn't attempting to convey a particular style, accessories are still a great choice for expression.

Flats Boats and sandals: Boat shoes, as their name suggests, are designed to be worn on a boat and around water. They have been a popular choice for footwear for both men and women for many years. These versatile shoes can be worn with just about any outfit, and give the wearer a laid-back and relaxed appearance. Before, women slip on a pair of boat shoes, they should first know how to wear them and what to wear them with. Though boat shoes can be worn with a lot of different types of outfits, there are a few rules that need to be followed when wearing them in order to appear fashion conscious. In addition to styling them correctly, women should choose the type of boat shoe that best suits the conditions they'll be wearing them in and the outfits they'll be wearing them with. Since there are so many different types and styles of boat shoes to choose from, women may wish to have more than one pair of boat shoes in their wardrobe.