We love talking fashion! But it's not just any fashion that we'd like to highlight today: yes, you've guessed it, we're talking about African fashion! Indeed, for some years now, the global industry has been drawing inspiration from it
But it has to be said that this hasn't always been the case. In any case, Africa is a vast place, and influences are inevitably numerous. We're here to tell you all about it. An overview of African fashion and its evolution.
The first steps of African fashion
It goes without saying that,depending on the country in Africa, fashion varies. And so do the reasons for their creation. In the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, for example, it's logical that the first clothing creations were not designed to keep warm. Given the very pleasant, even hot, climate that prevails all year round.
So, in these specific regions of Africa, African fashion tended to favor loincloths for gentlemen . And headbands around the waist and breasts for women.
Gradually, ornaments and embellishments were added. The materials used were very well thought-out.
The first materials used in African fashion
At first, African fashion was based on the use of raffia. Then straw in particular, and little by little the evolution came to colors and patterns on printed and dyed fabrics, some adorned with all kinds of beads.
Fabrics with geometric motifs, in particular, now inspire couturiers, designers, stylists and fashion creators. African style is now a style in its own right, combining elegance and originality .
African fashion a benchmark in its own right
These days, Africa is constantly referenced in fashion. And often with taste. If we had to single out one work of quality that relies entirely on African fashion, we'd undoubtedly be talking aboutYves Saint Laurent, the great couturier.
Indeed, the latter has created a range of precious dresses. Using materials such as wood beads, raffia, straw and gold thread. References used by African fashion without hesitation.
Indeed, her creations were fully inspired by, and paid tribute to, the work produced by the Bambara people of Mali. Bringing African fashion to life means perpetuating fashion's roots. Warmly colored and reflecting real originality. African fashion has a bright future ahead of it.
Beautiful days ahead
Recent years have amply demonstrated that African fashion is alive and well throughout the world.
With a host of strong personalities in every corner of the globe, plus the rise of social networking, it's a safe bet that the influence of African fashion will continue unabated!
Africa offers a significant variety of available styles. Which inevitably makes you want to get closer to this particular culture. From the north of Africa to its southern tip, from one end of the east to the other, African creations have not finished making a name for themselves.