06
Fashion
Africa is home to some of the most authentic,
exquisite fabrics. Gradually but steadily, the African
prints have become the preferred fashion statement
even for some of the most elite personalities.
Let’s take a walk through some of the most amazing
and understated fabrics on our continent. As much
as most of these fabrics originated from indigenous
groups in specific parts of Africa, there is an evident
uptake of these prestigious fabrics all around the
globe.
African fabrics are slowly but surely becoming an
epitome of style.
Kente
The Kente is probably the best known of the woven
cloths, in African fabric. The Kente cloth is a mixture
of silk and cotton fabric. This fabric was typically
worn by political authorities and high-ranking
officials of the Ashanti people. The cloth has its
origin from the Ashanti kingdom in Ghana , and
was later adopted by the Ashantis in Ivory Coast
who historically migrated from Ghana. It is now also
popular among the Akan people in Guinea, Ivory
Coast and other West African countries.
Kente cloth can be found in bright colors,
multicolored patterns and geometric shapes, with
each color having certain significance. For example,
black has the power to intensify the spiritual energy,
blue means peace, love and harmony; silver
represents joy and serenity and gray represents
healing rituals associated with ash.
6 May 2018