AFRICAN TRENDS TO INSPIRE YOU
by Chené Koscielny
This week, Friday and Saturday, June 14th-15th 2019, Geneva plays host to Afrodyssée – an African trends market bringing together a select group of 40 African designers who set the trends and fashion of today’s Africa. This event has become one of the most important of its kind in Europe, both in terms of the quality of the designers presented and the audience it attracts.
THINGSTODOINGENEVA ask the organisers to share with us some of the top 5 African-inspired trends in fashion in 2019.
KENTE IS COOL
The usage of Kente – a type of silk and cotton fabric made by local weavers from interwoven cloth strips – is very much en vogue this year.
Traditionally a West African fabric, Kente has taken on new forms in recent years, under the influence of a young generation of creators, who are boldly renewing and transforming the aesthetics of Mali, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast.
DESIGNERS
Kente Gentlemen
Fekhanti
Olooh Concept
Threaded Tribes
Photo Kente Gentlemen
BOGOLAN IS BEST
Another traditional material that is very much in demand is Bogolan. Bogolan is the quintessential West African textile, also called mud-cloth.
DESIGNERS
Nio Far
Leydii
Threaded Tribes
Photo Threaded Tribes
LESS IS MORE
There is a strong inclination towards minimalism and simplicity – as is evident in the strong block colours and radical cuts.
DESIGNERS
FEKHANTI
HAMAJI
MARCHÉ NOIR
MILLES COLLINES
OLOOH
Photo Milles Collines
PERFECT PRINTS
In contrast to the luxury and abundance of wax, some designers are opting for a more sober and clean print look.
DESIGNERS
HAMAJI
OLOOH
SELEY RABY KANE
YHEBE DESIGN
Photo HAMAJI
BE BOLD IN GOLD
The use of pure gold is back in full force for jewellers. Stunning!
DESIGNERS
DEAR KATIOPAE
KTSOBE
ROKUS LONDON
MORE INFO
AFRODYSSÉE African Trends Market
Friday and Saturday, 14 & 15 juin 2019
WHERE
Maison Pitoëff, 52 rue de Carouge
More info in our post.
