It is great to see ankara African print outfits and fabrics go mainstream after being overlooked on the International fashion scene and therefore worn by only West African men and women. From Beyonce Knowles to Rihanna, Kelis, Fergie, Alicia Keys, Beyonce younger sister – Solange Knowles and Gwen Stephanie, we’ve seen how the ankara print has been a popular theme.
Apart from international celebrities rocking ankara outfits with pride, we’ve seen the fabric dominate a lot of runway shows during this fashion season. From American artist, Gwen Stefani who has launched a fashion line known as L.A.M.B’s and presented her Spring/Summer 2011 collection in ankara fabric, to other top designers who used the fabric for their designs – it is safe to say the ankara African print fabric has taken its right place.
While it is a shame some of the designers have refused to call it ankara and are now calling it tribal prints and other dodgy names, we all know what name they have been called for years before this international recognition and acceptance. In all, we’re happy the ankara fabric is taking a major stage and can only get better.
While most African designers have not started getting recognition for their pieces, it is still a good thing the African print fabric has become popular and will boost the sales and recognition of more designers from the moment.
A few African designers like Jewel by Lisa and Deola Sagoe are the only ones benefitting from the ankara reign. But hopefully, as the fabric gets more recognition, more designers from the continent will see their African print outfits on celebrities and fashionistas across the globe.
The ankara African print has come to stay and we hope it keeps on getting better. Below are some of the international celebrities that have been seen rocking the ankara fabric and helping spread its beauty and acceptance. Take a look at them and tell us what you think by leaving a comment below.
SEE ALSO: 9 African Print Short Gowns Very Hot Right Now.
Here’s the popular American singer, Beyonce Knowles rocking an ankara African print outfit.
Rihanna embraces African print outfits as she’s seen rocking an ankara jacket.
Beyonce having fun rocking another piece made with the West African ankara print outed now touted by international designers as tribal prints.
These are some pieces from Gwen Stefani’s 47 piece African print outfits collection that featured ankara dresses, pants, and tops. The American singer is seen rocking one of her African print pieces on the runway.
In the middle is Gewn Stefani rocking another ankara dress from her collection. This time, it is not on the runway but to an event.
Beyonce’s younger sister, Solange Knowles rocks and ankara African print outfit.
Beyonce and Alicia Keys having fun wearing some colourful African print outfits.
Alicia Keys showing some love to African print outfits as she poses wearing a colourful piece of ankara skirt and blouse.
Kelis on stage repping African print outfits as she rocking an ankara piece while performing in front of a large audience.