The African fashion industry is slowly taking over the world, with many of the styles being elegantly curated in such a manner that is befitting for the body whether be it traditional or modern fashion.
Our focus here right now will be on the West African fashion industry. We cannot pretend that we do not see the ever-beautiful show stopping attires that many tend to be clad in at various occasions and how every outfit seems to be a statement piece.
The one thing we do appreciate in particular is how every guest is out to shine by ensuring their outfit is nothing short of breath taking. For instance, at a wedding event, guests dress up to the best of their abilities ensuring that they show up and show off. This is where most of the world has been left behind as in most parts of the world individuals are afraid to upstage the owner of the event – be it the bride, birthday owner or at any other minor event. I believe this is a page we can all take from West Africans who embrace their competitively dressed guests with each person taking pride in having individuals who are well bedazzled and ensuring that they are highlighted on that day. In all fairness no glory is taken away from the owner of the event as guests all attend the event to honor the invitee.
Now back to our topic at hand – you cannot tell me; you have not noticed how the West African modern fashion is slowly influencing the designs across the world. Their gowns and men’s pieces in particular have been featured on some of the world’s biggest red carpets for instance Lupita Nyongo was seen wearing a stylish and funky African printed dress designed by DPiper twins at the premier of Queen of Kwata in Uganda.
West African modern fashion has even influenced the outfits fellow Africans wear especially on their traditional wedding days as brides all want the curvaceous look with a snatched waist and in most cases a mermaid tail which we must admit is a signature design for west African designers along with their very unique but expensive lace choice of fabric that is accessorized with stunning elaborate jewelry.
West Africa has produced some of Africa’s biggest names in the fashion industry such as Priya Ahluwalia a Nigerian – Indian heritage designer who has been included in the Forbes 30 under 30 on the European Arts and culture list as well as Nigerian designer Adebayo Oke – Lawal founder of Orange Culture who have had their designs showcased on some of the world’s largest runways such as Vogue and the New York Fashion Week runways respectively.
Therefore, we can safely say that Africa’s creativity and west Africa’s fashion sense as a whole is something to be admired and soon will be the staple ensembles to be clad in for your major events. I for one will surely be watching the west African fashion designers closely learning from their fashion sense and hoping to one day be clad in some of their elaborate but yet breath taking ensemble’s.
By : Jacqueline Thoiss
