The ManicaPost
Fashion and Africa have always gone hand in hand. From headdresses denoting social status to colourful waist beads attracting potential suitors, traditional African style fused both function and aesthetics from the start. And today, African fashion designers are borrowing heavily from the continent’s rich and expressive cultures to create modern pieces that tell a unique story.
Spanning from Cairo to Johannesburg, this new breed of trendsetters is changing what it means to be African and a fashion designer. They put both local and imported fabrics to good use and spotlight the craftsmanship of local weavers, some of who employ skills passed down throughout generations.
Their design work is also ethically conscious, with many creating employment for local tailors and ensuring that all receive fair compensation for their work.
It is clear that designers from Africa are breaking boundaries and pushing new frontiers with their creativity, whether they are based on the continent or in the diaspora. With designs celebrating cultural pride, style and handiwork, African designers are changing the narrative often associated with their home continent and showcasing its diverse beauty — from the sub-Saharan deserts to the bustling markets of Accra, and beyond. – Selamta Ethiopian Airlines Magazine.
