Documenting changing fashion in Africa post-1960
This outfit was made by Joma Wellings-Longmore, who wore it as a guest to a wedding in the 1990s. The look included a pink mesh headwrap which matches the skirt (collected but not pictured). Joma spoke to collecting panel member Edith Ojo about the inspirations behind the outfit. Edith explains: ‘It is a bold statement Read More …
This African lace outfit was worn by Titi Bello, a British Nigerian bride. So called African lace is an embroidered fabric that originates from Austria and is popular across West Africa. Titi explained why she chose this look for her wedding (as told to Collecting Panel member Edith Ojo): ‘The fabric was bought in Austria Read More …
This two piece outfit is made from white cotton with a hand-dyed indigo tie-dyed design. It was made by designer Ainé Pathé Ouédraogo for his label Pathé’O. Born in Burkina Faso, Ouédraogo went on to set up his popular label in Abidjan in the 1970s. He subsequently became prominent in the 1990s when he began Read More …
These trousers belonged to Saundra Lang, an African American fashion enthusiast who spent time in West Africa from the 1970s onwards. Saundra bought these trousers during her first trip to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in 1971, from a local tailor. The pattern represents cowrie shells as well as abstract geometric designs. The design was created by Read More …
This sample book or catalogue was produced by Da Gama to showcase their range of shweshwe fabrics to textile buyers. Shweshwe, or German cloth as it is also known in some areas, is a printed cotton fabric that is so ubiquitous in southern Africa that it has been called the denim of the region. Shweshwe Read More …
This circle cape known as ‘Kobo Ea Bohali’ or ‘Kobo’, was created by Thabo Makhetha, a luxury South African womenswear label established in 2009 by designer Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana. The cape is made from a traditional woolen Basotho blanket made by Aranda Textiles Mill, based near Johannesburg. Coats and capes made from these Basotho blankets form Read More …
This man’s aso-oke agbada was worn by Martin Sholagbade in his role as the Father of the Bride at a wedding in 2009. It is an example of sanyan, a classic style of aso-oke, typically worn by celebrants and close family at weddings. Aso-oke translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’. It is a Read More …