Original Story Published by: Anne-Sophie Castro for Fashion United
Photo Source: ©Dave Design/Fashion United
Paris – When one thinks of African fashion, the Wax print is probably the first thing to come to mind. First created in Java and brought into Europe in the 19th century by Dutch traders, the print has become one of the symbols of West Africa. While a large part of its production still takes place in the Netherlands, 90 percent of all Wax print fabrics are sold in Africa, with a turnover of 300 million euros in 2014.
But there’s more to African fashion than just Wax. Peulh Vagabong, for example, made headlines when one of its designs was worn by Beyoncé on her recent trip to South Africa to celebrate the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth. Lagos fashion brand Iamisigo (pronounced “I Am Isigo”), best known for taking risks with volume, already has sales outlets in Africa, Paris, Zurich and New York. Benim-based Ibilola is another rising star: specializing in large sizes (44 and above), it is the first African brand to cater for the XXL size market. Last but not least, one can mention sneaker brand Umoja, which manufactures its organic, cruelty-free shoes in Portugal using fabrics labelled as “Made in Africa”.
