Share the post “How African Designers have Reshape Fashion from the Grip of the Western Brands”
Names like Valentino have been in existence long before many of us were born. These western brands have defined the way fashion trends around the world. Not any longer for African fashion. With the number of multi-talented local designers creating and redefining the way we see fashion.
They have been able to fuse culture and fashion without doing a lot of works. Global fashion markets are turning to African designers for inspiration on some of their red carpets and special events.
Over the years, our tropical landscapes accompanied with exotic flowers, fruits, and lush green forests have been courted by designers in their creation. Our animal prints to the traditional patterns influenced by our continent have become the trending fabrics.
For many years a lot of countries have depended on second hand outfits from abroad to help its populace dress affordably. However, things are gradually changing; many of our local designers are creating their collections from locally made fabrics. The challenge of branding in Africa is no longer a factor as we have better understanding and enough resources. Since we started substituting the foreign raw materials with our local products, the cost of clothing has come down.
If there is something that the local designers have corrected in the world, it is cultural appropriation that often becomes offensive. Since we are able to create our fashion signatures locally, we have started using our people for fashion weeks. Our models are no longer neglected in international fashion shows because we have many local designers who show up with African models.
Today, African provides opportunities for both designers and fashionistas. Fashion globetrotters are heading to Africa to find inspiration for their works. We celebrate our beauty and creativity with our native fabrics. There is no part of Africa that has not made its fashion imprint on us.