Hello African print lover, come in here and take a look at African influences in fashion, and acceptance in the international fashion scene.
- African Influences in fashion
- Blending African print with western fashion
European fashions have always been hungry for something new, exciting, and enticingly exotic. Each new season generally brings the influence of some new culture to the front of the runway; however, there’s one particular influence that has been a consistent presence for years and continues to be reinvented in fresh, innovative ways. Whether it’s traditional prints, cowrie shell accents or chic new hairstyles, African influences have become a predominant staple in mainstream fashion.
Becoming popular in the late 1960s, African influence was first recognised in mainstream American culture and fashion in the ways of natural hairstyles, such as the Afro. In addition, designers began to incorporate traditional African materials into their clothing and designs, including shells, wooden beads, and natural grasses. Since then, there has hardly been a generation that hasn’t been influenced in some way by original African fashions and trends.
While African influences can be seen in nearly every facet of the fashion world, the designer swimwear industry has been one of the most influenced by the trend. For example, animal prints inspired by African cheetahs, leopards, zebras, tigers, and snakes have become one of the most classic and popular swim trends in history. Luckily for the animals, most of today’s prints are faux and simply serve as inspiration for luxe swimwear fabrics.
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Along with those fierce animal prints, traditional African tribal motifs have made their mark in both the fashion and swim fashion realms as well. Typically featuring rich, vibrant colours, geometric patterns, and/or strong detailed lines, African-inspired tribal prints help spice up any day or nighttime ensemble, both on and off the beach.
Last but not least, fashion, swimwear, and accessory designers have all benefited from adding African-inspired embellishments and details into their designs. Whether you’re talking delicate beadwork, feathers, wooden beads, or faux animal claws and teeth, these African-inspired accents help transform ordinary items into extraordinary pieces. For example, a basic black swimsuit can be transformed with the addition of African-inspired beading on the suit or straps. Add a stack of wooden bangles and a tribal print wedge and you have an inspired beach-chic look. Any way you choose to wear it, African-inspired fashions are a surefire way to add desert-level heat to your look.
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