Africa is everywhere in the collections of many designers this season. It seems like every other page in this month's Elle magazine is layered with influence of the motherland. Model Christy Turlington wears a Ndebele style ring necklace* in current Escada ads while other designers like Max Osterweis and Junya Watanabe, reference African inspired textiles on the runway.
Elle also lauds Frenchwoman Lydia Courteille's turn to to a more "primitive style for spring" in the jewelry news section. The artists "African" collection features mask rings that mimic African busts and sculpture, combining them with precious jewels like turquoise, diamonds and pearls. Says Courteille, "It's incredible that now the trend in fashion is Africa, because I've been working on this idea for two or three years."
In spite of the efforts by publications like Arise to publicize African artists and designers, in the fashion world, their contributions are rarely acknowledged in the mainstream fashion world. It kind of reminds me of all the press actress Bo Derek received for wearing cornrows in the movie "10" even though black women had been wearing the style for ages.
The fashion world doesn't seem to take notice of uniquely African styles and trends unless the persons delivering them are non-Africans.
Hopefully magazines like Arise will make homegrown African talent household names. I'm hoping to get a copy soon. Which reminds me, does anyone know if Uzuri, Haute, and Clam are still being published?
The fashion world doesn't seem to take notice of uniquely African styles and trends unless the persons delivering them are non-Africans.
Hopefully magazines like Arise will make homegrown African talent household names. I'm hoping to get a copy soon. Which reminds me, does anyone know if Uzuri, Haute, and Clam are still being published?
* This style of ring necklace is also worn by the Kayan tribe in Thailand.
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