So what is African fashion?

Is there really any such thing? 

Or is saying “African fashion” the same as assuming that no matter where you’re from on the beautiful continent you speak “African” and must know so-and-so’s cousin who’s also from Africa?! (Note, to self: so not the time and place to go on a rant, shall save it for another day!)

So back to the question at hand.... what is African fashion?

I think most of what we consider African fashion, that is, the huge head wraps, the bold jewellery,  the intricately patterned cloth and three layer outfit is quintessentially West African.

Nigerian and Ghanaian movies have definitely done their part in making this the face of African traditional wear. 

Random fun fact – did you know that originally the loose blouse part of the Nigerian outfit was introduced by Christian missionaries to make African women seem more chaste? Nowadays, a girl’s got to get her diva on so the chaste blouse has dipped somewhat to display tantalising teases of bronzed cleavage!

Uganda has its own traditional type dress called Gomesi (which, I learnt the other day, is also called a Busuuti). It’s normally worn to weddings and ceremonial events and while it isn’t as well known as the West African buba (that’s the blouse) and wrapper, it’s certainly as colourful.

In Gambia, the traditional outfit is similar to a kaftan but falls all the way to the wrists and is called a Grandmuba  (seriously, I didn’t make that up!). It’s worn with a headdress called a musorr or tiko. It is similar to but not as intricate as the Nigerian headdress.

As I’m learning (and sharing with you) the potential range of African fashion is as diverse as the languages on the continent. Considering that countries like South Africa have 11 official languages then you start to see exactly how diverse that can be!

I’m assuming you all know what I’ve been talking about but if you don’t (or if you do and you just want to buy yourself some beautiful African clothing!) then check out www.afrawear.com – they have a great collection of clothes. 

They also have a Facebook page and are on Twitter so there’s really no excuse not to hook yourself up!

I’m off to see what more I can learn....see you soon!