Understanding African Fashion --Simon Intijaz

African fashion can be used to show the wearers sense of style, pride in their culture, or even reflect social status.  In Africa, clothing also provides observers with clues regarding the wearers region of origin.  Fashion in Africa is often a combination of the modern and the traditional.




Fabrics with rich and vibrant, colours are used in most clothing designs.  Tie-dye is still a common feature found throughout the African fashion community.  Materials are also important in African fashion.  The material used in African clothing design is light and comfortable, with the quality reflecting the status of the wearer.



Clothing made using silk or other light, fine woven, material are worn by those of higher socioeconomic status.  Often symbols are woven into, or added to, the finished clothing to represent certain virtues that are important to the wearer. Though made of less expensive materials, the clothing worn by those of humbler background are also patterned and brightly coloured.



The beauty of African fashion is ultimately its versatility.  Eye catching designs, and memorable colours, are suitable for all occasions.  When wearing African fashion, an individual has a chance to be stylish while showing their pride in a rich culture.