The Sunday News
IF there is a trend that is fast growing and will be noted as one of the best trends for the year 2015 it should be African Fashion, better known as Ankara fashion.
Ankara fashion is trending globally and it isn’t stopping there. It’s like there is a fever of some sort, but who cares? It’s the best fashion trend of the moment and it is inspired by Africa.
African prints or Ankara are extremely popular among ladies but men too have also grown fond of the trend. And I must say they are rocking it better than most women.
Men are donning sassy Ankara inspired suits, blazers and shirts that will leave one’s mouth salivating in glee.
Now the question that arises is does everyone know how to wear it? Well of course you can, it’s all about how you team it together. That is the only determining factor that will either make you look fab or drab!
What you need to decide is when you choose the fabric, there is no holding back.
Good style inspirations and influential African print are certainly dominating the trends this year.
Wearing African fashion is commendable and may just get you invited to the next fashion show.
A couple of weeks ago, I met for the first time in person, South Africa-based, Bow Afrika co-director Mike Danisa Nyirenda.
We spoke about him venturing into the fashion and showbiz industries, where he said he worked hard to get to where he is right now.
Anyway before I sway off topic, he co-directs Bow Afrika, which particularly focuses on African fashion. Bow Afrika Fashion is a young, vibrant and exciting clothing line based in Johannesburg, South Africa. In the short time the label has been around, it has garnered a loyal international clientele and is in great demand. They not only work with African prints but have fused other fabrics to make some of the most fantastically fabulous designs.
It is not the usual boring African fashion but it is that with a modern flair or touch. He told me how he and his friend and partner, Khule Mxotshwa started off from a dream, with a zero budget to being a much sought after label. Today they boast of running four shops in the heart of Joburg. So I saw a few of their designs, which I must add are the reason for their success. They combine a classic and modern to bring out something that is just precise and perfect for anyone.
After I saw the men’s blazers they had designed and put on the market, strictly by order, I felt the need to own not one but a couple . . . Mike I hope you got my back on this one.
“At Bow Afrika Fashion, we represent the past, the present, the future and the future future,” said Mike.
I realised how when in putting together an outfit, they carefully selected the prints that both matched and reflected people’s personalities.
Personally I think that an African print blazer works very well if teamed with plain coloured trousers. Also another thing to note is the colours of the print, always make sure that the colour print suits your skin tone.
I do, however, have a problem with a complete African print suit for men, I mean no disregard for those that wear them or to the West Africans for saying this but for me it is just a BIG fat NO! The colours are just too much to be worn as a suit; you wouldn’t want to risk having a swarm of bees tailing you, after mistaking you for a garden of flowers . . . that’s just my sense of humour speaking there.
The suits are just not for the faint hearted like me. If you do decide to wear a complete suit then you just have to keep your accessories simple including your shoes.
When wearing African fashion, walk with your head held high to show that you are a proud son of Africa.
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