Fashion Translator: “A Fierce Collabo”

Greetings my fashion lovers, connoisseurs and trendsetters! So word has it that there is a love affair brewing – a multi-cultural union – if you will. An affair where traditional and authentic meet contemporary and mainstream to birth unique style and flair.  The traditional African fabric has finally found a new outlet of expression. Once upon a time, traditional African wear was the sole impression of the African fabric – the authentic styles and cuts, coupled with the vibrant colors and textures represented ethnic cultures and traditions.

 

However, in recent times, the African fabric is scaling up the fashion couture scene as the next big ‘tool of craft’ for designers in the global fashion world.  In modern times, the bright colors, intriguing patterns and intricate designs of the African fabrics continue to be the muse for designers everywhere. As more contemporary and modern styles are being cut out of the African fabric, the African fabric is becoming more practical and functional for everyday applications as it transitions into the fun, modern and sassy category.

So is it safe to say the fashion industry is also being swayed by globalization (yup… the ‘G’ word yet again) and could this be a good or a bad thing?  The jury is still out on the latter; however; if you ask me, based on the end result alone, the possibility of an overall ‘yay vote’ is quite overwhelming!

 

This new shift not only allows fashionistas worldwide to have a piece of Africa in their closet but it also provides an outlet for African designers to showcase their African culture and designs in the global fashion market. Seeing African fabrics in more provocative and modern styles also appeal to today’s trendsetter in the diaspora who wants to be representative of his or her roots however in the same vein have an element of what’s modern and fresh. In the past, the more traditional expressions of the African fabric were in most cases reserved for that one off International Day celebration or event at work or school,  since these garments were considered a bit restrictive. However, showcasing your roots, culture and heritage in what you wear now can be done easily at school, work, church etc as a result of this new expression in fashion. But more importantly, there has been an increase in the African fabric clientelle;

Interestingly enough, the application of the African fabric is spanning beyond just clothing but has also made its debut in other fashion apparel and accessories. Bags, headgear, earrings, bangles, shoes, scarves, decorative home goods etc are also being draped in alluring African fabric.

In the wake of this new fashion expression is a platform of opportunity for new and upcoming designers who have an inspiring and new vision for fashion and what it stands for. My mission is a simple one: to bring these hidden talents to the fore front; to showcase these spectacular crafts and talents. So let’s forget the ‘big names’, ‘the have beens’ and ‘the done that’! Let’s set our eyes on the hidden gem, the covert  artist, the unknown genius who is building his/her fashion empire, one unique creation after the other. He/she is no Gucci or Prada by name, but by design he/she could put these names to shame.