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Fashion: Spotting the Afrocentric Look
Posted by: Misi Coker on February 9, 2008 Under: Africa, Americas, Asia/Middle East, Discussion Lounge, Europe/Australia, Life & Culture, People
Years back, lace fabric dominated the Nigerian traditional attire fashion scene; it was the ‘in thing’; now, Ankara’ (African prints) has taken over in a big way.
Everywhere you turn, Ankara is in-demand; you see people wearing ‘Ghana’, ‘Ivory Coast’ and ‘London Wax’ Ankaras. And the best part of it all is that it is affordable, in some cases cheaper than buying a cell phone recharge card.
Even though people still prefer the occasional lace (mostly for special occasions); don’t be surprised if you see more ladies settling for the Ankara look with all their snazzy styles at social events.
Besides the ‘domination of Ankara’ in the Nigerian market, fashion has moved towards mixing the West with ethnic touches – and Ankara is the first choice for the ultimate Afrocentric look.
The current trend is wearing a shirt with an Ankara skirt and head-tie (like in the picture) or wearing an Ankara shirt with pants. Both men and women have caught onto this trend.
Isn’t it interesting how fashion is merging nations?
Muti This
CareTaker | Feb 9, 2008 | Reply
Interesting look, big smile! Very soon the big fashion houses will start rolling out this look. Remember the “Ghana must go” look … (pardon me Ghanaians, no pun intended here
)
Omotaylor | Feb 9, 2008 | Reply
Misimi, thank you for highlighting the Ankara feel and look. I love the material though i tend to settle for the cheaper made in Nigeria ones (just because i want to support Nigeria). I dare say they dont last as long as the more qualitative foreign ones but they are getting better and wow what choice of colours. Also I like Ankara in Nigeria for it is pure cotton, feels cool and nice on the skin. Check out my own ankara look on: http://community.africanloft.com/kickapps/_omotaylor/photo/79377/4392.html
I promise to load more asap.
pammy | Feb 9, 2008 | Reply
Yes, Misi…
I used to be so scared that as african children outside africa got older, they will move to totally wearing westernized clothing and forget about their local fabrics etc. But, I am happy to see many young people going into design houses and learning and using a lot of our fabrics, our patterns, our designs to create beautiful clothing that could be worn almost every where.
Hat tip Misi.
chioma | Feb 10, 2008 | Reply
Nice! I think the afrocentric look will never go out of style. It will be reinvented and remodeled from time to time, but will make it through the times. You definitely work this one Misi!
Samantha | Feb 11, 2008 | Reply
This is hip and classy! Love it!
Misi | Feb 12, 2008 | Reply
I love the Afrocentric look too. The first time I tried it, I felt reallt uncomfortable because I wasn’t sure if it looked good wearing ankara like that but when I saw the reaction of people to it, it gave me the confidence that it wasn’t a bad idea after all. There are also really nice ankara styles people sew nowadays, which has taken us away from the belief that traditional cannot be trendy. I look forward to seeing you all in ankara too.
MiMi | Apr 1, 2008 | Reply
Definitely loving this look!!!
SeseC | Jun 14, 2008 | Reply
Misi its so funny how ankara has now became the must have in a niger person closet. i remmember when i was growing up and ankara was only worn to back a child also for granmas would were them just in the house. its very intersting how u can’t go to any occasion without seeing at least 5 people with ankara on. but also i love the new vogue now on ankara i think its a very cheeper way of dressing and still look like you have on a $150 dollars lace on. There are many ways you could spot the ankara look, you could dress it more 9ja the hole “nine yard”-with gele and shoe and bag to march, or u could just go for the more elegant evening gown look which i must say is fabulos.