Documenting changing fashion in Africa post-1960
This fabric is called shweshwe, an iconic printed cotton textile that is so popular it has become known as the denim of southern Africa. The name shweshwe is derived from King Moshoeshoe I of Lesotho (c. 1786 – 1870) who first popularised it. It is also known as German cloth after the Swiss and German Read More …
This fabric is called shweshwe, an iconic printed cotton textile that is so popular it has become known as the denim of southern Africa. The name shweshwe is derived from King Moshoeshoe I of Lesotho (c. 1786 – 1870) who first popularised it. It is also known as German cloth after the Swiss and German Read More …
This skirt is made of shweshwe, the iconic printed cotton textile that is so popular it has become known as the denim of southern Africa. The name shweshwe is derived from King Moshoeshoe I of Lesotho (c. 1786 – 1870) who first popularised it. It is also known as German cloth after the Swiss and Read More …
This studio portrait shows two men wearing white vest tops and white workwear trousers embellished with Zulu affiliated designs. They are adorned with beadwork as well as holding beadwork up to the camera. Photographed by Bobson Sukhdeo Mohanlall at his studio in Durban, South Africa where he catered mainly for Zulu clients. He was of Read More …
This studio portrait shows a woman wearing beadwork, a basotho blanket and dark glasses. Photographed by Bobson Sukhdeo Mohanlall at his studio in Durban, South Africa where he catered for mainly Zulu clients. He was of Indian heritage and was a pioneer in South African colour photography in the 1960s. Digital print, collected as part Read More …
This type of distinctive Isicholo hat is an enduring fashion icon. They originate from elaborate ochre dyed hairstyles worn by married Zulu women in the 19th century. These hats are made from a basketry frame, covered in red fabric and secured with a beaded woven headband. This example belonged to Johannesburg resident, Dineo Skwambane, and Read More …
Shweshwe is a printed cotton fabric that is so ubiquitous in southern Africa that it has been called the denim of the region. The name is derived from King Moshoeshoe I of Lesotho (c. 1786 – 1870) who first popularised it. It is also known as German cloth after the Swiss and German settlers who Read More …
Shweshwe is a printed cotton fabric that is so ubiquitous in southern Africa that it has been called the denim of the region. The name is derived from King Moshoeshoe I of Lesotho (c. 1786 – 1870) who first popularised it. It is also known as German cloth after the Swiss and German settlers who Read More …
Shweshwe is a printed cotton fabric that is so ubiquitous in southern Africa that it has been called the denim of the region. The name is derived from King Moshoeshoe I of Lesotho (c. 1786 – 1870) who first popularised it. It is also known as German cloth after the Swiss and German settlers who Read More …
Shweshwe is a printed cotton fabric that is so ubiquitous in southern Africa that it has been called the denim of the region. The name is derived from King Moshoeshoe I of Lesotho (c. 1786 – 1870) who first popularised it. It is also known as German cloth after the Swiss and German settlers who Read More …