A Brief History of Wax Prints
West African fabrics and wax prints have an interesting and (literally) colourful history. West African textiles have always existed, but it was Dutch settlers in the 19th century who helped…
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Where to wear African fabrics
African fabrics with wax prints (such as those offered by Vlisco and Mitex Holland) are undeniably beautiful and vivid. As a result, garments made from these fabrics are perfect for…
Wearing Wax Prints to Match the Occasion
For many wearers, the vibrancy and boldness of wax prints is an emblem of African creativity and culture. As an increasing number of designer brands, such as Burberry and Yves…
3 Modern Ways to Wear African Wax Prints
There’s no denying how beautiful, bold and versatile African wax print fabrics by Mitex Holland and Vlisco are. If you’re looking to break with tradition and experiment with contemporary styles,…
How to Make Garments from Guipure Lace
Guipure is a particularly interesting type of lace, as it’s made in such a way that the motifs are stable and therefore can be cut quite easily. Because of this…
How to Fashion Garments from Lace Fabrics
Lace is a popular choice of fabric for a multitude of West African fashions. Whether you choose guipure, Swiss voile, brocade or organza, it’s important to understand there’s an art…
How to Wear Lace
Lace isn’t just for shawls and your grandmother’s curtains! Over the past few years beautiful, colourful laces have exploded on to the catwalk and are now worn by everyone from…
The Timeless Style of the Traditional Dashiki
Anyone who thinks a dashiki is simply a T-shirt couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, it’s much more ornate than an ordinary T-shirt. A traditional, loose-fitting garment, with a V-neckline,…
How Central and West Africa Embraced Wax Prints
Although wax fabric is traditionally used for African fashions, many producers of wax prints are based in Europe. In fact, prior to the 1960s, almost every wax fabric sold across…
The Best Ways to Wear Brocade
Brocade is a group of richly ornate shuttle-woven fabrics, often made in coloured silks and woven with gold and silver threads. The material is often used for evening and formal…