African Fashion is becoming extremely popular these days but unfortunately remains unknow or, should I say, mistakenly exclusively associated with what we call African prints.
It is called Ankara in some English-speaking African countries and Pagne in the French-speaking ones but little do we know that this fabric is originally not African. It’s rather Ducth. That cotton fabric made with a special dyeing technique using wax was created in Holland and introduced to Africa during colonization times. It then became overwhelmingly popular amongst the women of those countries who made it their own.
There are those who disagree with the fact that Ankara is a part of the African culture and those who embrace it. Truth is, it’s not a traditional African textile like Bogolan, Faso Dan Fani or Kente but it is still part of the cultural heritage.
The dress that I am wearing today is not make of Ankara but it is created by a Nigerian designer, Zephans & Co, and remains African in its style, in the vibrant colors and the boldness of the fabric patterns.
I absolutely love the aesthetics of Zephans and Co who dresses the modern, chic and professional African woman. This dress is the cutest thing and just seeing the butterflies on it puts me in a good mood. Got it on Zuvaa!
The dress Le Victoria by Zephans and Co
Shoes Nine West (Old)
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Yr look is nice?
Thank you my dear friend!
So true! Ankara is certainly beautiful, but there’s so much more to African fashion. Thank you for showcasing that.
Thank you Diane!