The Find: 12 ways to wear bold, colourful African-inspired prints
The Find: 12 ways to wear bold, colourful African-inspired prints
Toronto’s African Fashion Week returns this weekend with runway shows from over 13 African designers. Though styles differ from country to country, there is a common thread in African fashion: bold, colourful patterns, often splashed across dresses, shoulder bags and headbands. For those hoping to bag the look, we found 12 funky pieces incorporating fabrics and patterns from Ghana, Morocco and Nigeria. There’s a clutch crafted from hand-woven Kente cloth, a designer dress made from Burkina Faso–sourced fabric and an outfit designed by the Brooklyn-based Etsy designer who recently dressed Beyonce.
See all 12 pieces »
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- <strong>Stella Jean, </strong>an up-and-coming Haitian/Italian designer, travelled to Burkina Faso to source local fabrics for her Spring/Summer 2014 collection. $340, <em>available on <a href="http://www.yoox.com/us/34452892NA/item?utm_campaign=affiliazione_us&utm_content=10&utm_medium=affiliazione&utm_source=linkshare_us&tp=11333#cod10=34452892NA&sizeId=" target="_blank">yoox.com</a></em>
- The Find: African-inspired prints
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- <strong>Roarke</strong> is a New York–based designer label that specializes in Ghanaian-themed accessories, including this intricately beaded chiffon bib necklace. $450,<em> available at <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/ghana-bib-necklace-roarke-new/vp/v=1/1551551985.htm?fm=search" target="_blank">shopbop.com</a></em>
- The Find: African-inspired prints
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- <strong>Reuben Reuel</strong> is the New York–based <strong>Etsy</strong> designer who dressed <strong>Beyoncé</strong> in his traditional prints and fabrics. We love this handmade mid-length dress. $190, <em>available at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/199141195/cypora-nife-dress?ref=pr_shop" target="_blank">etsy.com</a></em><br />
- The Find: African-inspired prints
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- Local online retailer <strong>Eluxe</strong> makes this cute romper, which uses various batik patterns from Nigeria. $45, <em>available at <a href="http://www.eluxe.ca/en/indigo-tribal-print-romper.html" target="_blank">eluxe.com</a></em>
- The Find: African-inspired prints
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- We love the South African–inspired graphic print on these shorts from <strong>Zara.</strong> $50, <em>available at <a href="http://www.zara.com/ca/en/woman/trousers/printed-shorts-c269187p2045012.html" target="_blank">zara.com</a></em><br />
- The Find: African-inspired prints
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- Designer <strong>Meg</strong> <strong>Kinney,</strong> of the label <strong>Meg,</strong> is known for using funky African-inspired patterns in her collections. This fall's muted take on an East African graphic is a subtle way to rock a bold print. $115, <em>available at <a href="https://www.megshops.com/product/78/sleeveless-turtleneck/" target="_blank">megshops.com</a></em><br />
- The Find: African-inspired prints
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- These thick headband turbans are made by Toronto Etsy designer <strong>Tuesday Treats</strong> using authentic African wax-print fabrics. $15, <em>available at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/195687737/sea-day-turban-headband-african-print?ref=listing-0" target="_blank">etsy.com</a></em><br />
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- Also from Etsy, <strong>Zabba Designs'</strong> handcrafted clutch is made from orange Ankara fabric. $50, <em>available at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/187684315/orange-kente-african-purse-fabric-formal?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_listing_promoted_en_ca&utm_campaign=bags_and_purses-low" target="_blank">etsy.com</a></em><br />
- The Find: African-inspired prints
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- Local designer <strong>Fenix Couture</strong> is known for using rich hues and patterns. These green pants feature a bold West African wax print. $80, <em>available at <a href="http://fenixcouture.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=33&product_id=449" target="_blank">fenixcouture.com</a></em>
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- Perfect for end-of-summer weddings, this <strong>French Connection</strong> dress was designed to resemble a Kente cloth from South Ghana. $80,<em> available at <a href="http://canada.frenchconnection.com/product/Sale+Dresses/71BGP/CASABLANCA+COTTON+DRESS.htm" target="_blank">frenchconnection.com</a></em><br />
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- LA brand <strong>Mink Pink</strong> makes this casual frock using a Moroccan tile print in earth tones. $87, <em>available at <a href="http://www.revolveclothing.com/minkpink-moroccan-tile-dress-in-multi/dp/MINK-WD335/" target="_blank">revolve.com</a></em>
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- <strong>Nicole Miller,</strong> <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/nicole_miller_indego_africa_shorts/thing?id=47187677" target="_blank">no stranger</a> to using African prints, has designed this chic long-sleeved dress. The herringbone print is based on an African weaving technique used to make bowls and jewellery. $375, <em>available at <a href="http://www.nicolemiller.com/amber-herringbone-dress" target="_blank">nicolemiller.com</a></em><br />
- The Find: African-inspired prints
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- <strong>Topshop</strong> makes this woven shirtdress that features a Moroccan print border. $80, available at <a href="http://www.thebay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/thebay/morrocon-border-print-shirt-dress-0001-10s39fcrm--24" target="_blank">thebay.com</a><br />
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Toronto's African Fashion Week returns this weekend with runway shows from over 13 African designers. Though styles differ from country to country, there is a common thread in African fashion: bold, colourful patterns, often splashed across dresses, shoulder bags and headbands. For those hoping to bag the look, we found 12 funky pieces incorporating fabrics and patterns from Ghana, Morocco and Nigeria. There's a clutch crafted from hand-woven Kente cloth, a designer dress made from Burkina Faso–sourced fabric and an outfit designed by the Brooklyn-based Etsy designer who recently dressed Beyonce.
See all 12 pieces »
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