The Find: 12 ways to wear bold, colourful African-inspired prints
The Find: 12 ways to wear bold, colourful African-inspired prints
By Jean Grant | August 8, 2014
By Jean Grant | 08/08/2014
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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 »
285739 <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 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/african-prints-the-find-12-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/african-prints-the-find-12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/african-prints-the-find-12.jpg 667 1000 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/find-12-items-featuring-funky-african-prints/slide/african-prints-the-find-12/ african-prints-the-find-12 0 0
285732 <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 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/african-prints-the-find-05-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/african-prints-the-find-05.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/african-prints-the-find-05.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/find-12-items-featuring-funky-african-prints/slide/african-prints-the-find-05/ african-prints-the-find-05 0 0
285737 <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 />
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285728 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 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/african-prints-the-find-01-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/african-prints-the-find-01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/african-prints-the-find-01.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/find-12-items-featuring-funky-african-prints/slide/african-prints-the-find-01/ african-prints-the-find-01 0 0
285742 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 />
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285734 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 />
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285741 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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285729 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 />
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285730 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> The Find: African-inspired prints https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/african-prints-the-find-03-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/african-prints-the-find-03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/african-prints-the-find-03.jpg 667 1000 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/find-12-items-featuring-funky-african-prints/slide/african-prints-the-find-03/ african-prints-the-find-03 0 0
285731 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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285735 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> The Find: African-inspired prints https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/african-prints-the-find-08-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/african-prints-the-find-08.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/african-prints-the-find-08.jpg 667 1000 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/find-12-items-featuring-funky-african-prints/slide/african-prints-the-find-08/ african-prints-the-find-08 0 0
285736 <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 />
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285740 <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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