Have you recently seen Michelle Obama and Beyoncé Knowles sporting African prints in their outfits? Afropolitian designs are the latest fashion trend which has enthused designers across the world to produce creative designs using African patterns.
Let us accept it, the African fashion is irresistible. Fashion designers worldwide are embracing the re-emergence of African motifs and distinctive patterns. The stunning Ankara style, Batik prints, Kitenge and Leso are making headlines in 2018.
The art of African fashion
African prints and fabrics have always got acclamation in the fashion world. Time and again, African prints have proved to be the favourites of leading fashion designers. Fashion houses such as Vivian Westwood and Burberry are famous for their collections that are influenced by the landscape and cultures of Africa.
Several photographers noticed First Lady, Michelle Obama, dressed in African–influenced outfits, specially designed by the Nigerian designer Duro Olawa. Not only her, recently Beyoncé Knowles and her sister Solange flaunted African designs with grace.
According to the Nigerian designer, Duro Olawa, African designs were limited to the country for a long time. Now it has become global because of awareness of social responsibility. Today, African designs and clothes are creating a powerful statement.
Numerous international designers have created various designs revolving around Ankara fabrics and batik designs. Fashion designers like Kenzo, Paul Smith, Jean Paul Gautier, Eely Kishimoto, Marc Jacobs, and Gwen Stefani have used African fashion in their latest collection.
Fabrics from Africa
Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé Knowles, Rihanna, Fergie have flaunted Ankara fabrics recently. They have brought forward a combination of traditional clothing and modern clothing to create a fashion that has become the trend of 2018.
Africa is a huge country, rich in its culture and tradition. The country has a rich heritage of textile production as well. The fabrics are sourced from cotton, raffia, bast, and tree bark. Some are created out of fibres made of plants, and few are woven by hand. Many of these fabrics are woven and coloured by local people themselves. Below are the varieties of fabrics that have self-designed motifs and weavings to create beautiful patterns:
- Adinkra cloth
The Adinkra or Ankara fabric is widely known amongst global designers. The cloth has been used to dress many celebrities and is creating a stir this year! The fabric is stamp printed with handmade stamps made out of calabash gourd. The stamps can be simple geometric patterns or designs with some specific meaning. The whole piece of cloth has the same design with repeated symbols and patterns.
Since the fabric is hand-printed, the process is very time-consuming as well. This makes the fabric amongst the most expensive ones.
- Kente Cloth
Kente cloth is manufactured in Ghana. The fabric represents the weaving calibre of the people of Ghana. Colourful threads are used to weave beautiful traditional designs in the cloth. The Kente cloth usually has bold geometric designs, horizontal and vertical lines, diamonds, zigzags, triangles and many such motifs. Each motif depicts a particular symbol of the African culture. They are beautifully woven by hand and look highly decorative.
- Bogolanfini Cloth
Bogolanfini clothes are the locally manufactured by the Bomana people of Mali. It is known as mud cloth as well. The fabric is created using special dyes applied to the whole textile. River mud is brushed on the fabric and left to dry. The mud reacts with the dye and oxidizes it to produce beautiful patterns visible washing. The fabric is later dried in the sun to make it lighter. They are bleached and treated with caustic soda for striking white patterns.
African prints
African prints are gorgeously bold and extremely elegant at the same time. Handcrafted designs on the beautiful fabric make it apt for the modern trends. We are not wrong in saying that the designers cannot ignore the versatility of the African designs. Utilising African designs and motifs, fashion designers have created a niche in African fashion.
Tie-dyes and batiks are the exceptional African prints that are trending in 2018. Many fashion ramps have already introduced the newest fashion, and by the end of this year, it is going to create a revolution.
When African designs are being used in abundance in women’s clothing, then why should men stay behind? African prints have inspired designers to create unique and innovative men’s clothing as well. Men are offered a choice of suits, blazers, dapper suits and outfits inspired by African Batik and tie-dye prints.
What does 2018 have in store for lovers of African Prints and fashion?
This question must have come to your mind, a thousand times if you are a fashion enthusiast. The global designers have embraced African modern fashion with a smile. That means the future of African designs in the global fashion market is bright!
Fashion designers are crafting great ideas using African fabric and prints. They are gracefully adding modern aspects to the traditional fabrics and prints. The Ankara fabric is being used to create pencil skirts, gowns, jackets, dresses, pants, formal wear, shirts, and pants. Every time you turn your head, you can see African prints!
Apart from clothing, African prints are incorporated in accessories as well. They are on the bags, shoes, jewellery, scarves – you name it, and you get everything customized with African prints. Recently Gucci and Fendi, the big boss of the fashion industry, have incorporated African prints in their fashion line!
Redo your wardrobe!
African prints include distinctive styles and patterns on traditional fabrics. The Super wax, Ankara, Dutch Java, Bogolan, Batik, Kente, Tie Dye – some of these textiles are largely used to create modern outfits. The traditional and contemporary African prints are a combination of bold colours, elegant designs and a wide range of patterns – geometric to animal prints. 
The African fashion industry has witnessed an overnight explosion in the global market. The versatile fabrics and prints are going to stay here for a while longer. So, if you have not bought your African inspired dresses, redo your wardrobe now!
