Documenting changing fashion in Africa post-1960
These white kitten heel shoes by Karen Millen were worn by Titi Bello at her wedding in 2004. The strappy style and glamourous embellishments complemented Titi’s African lace bridal outfit, which the museum also collected as part of the Fashioning Africa project. Creator: Karen Millen Date: 2000s
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 suit was made for writer Akila Monika Richards by a Ghanaian seamstress based in the UK. She describes the suit and what it meant to her: ‘After my son was born in 1986 and settling into our new family It became increasingly important to connect with my West African heritage. Living in London at Read More …
This outfit includes a burgundy velvet jacket and red corduroy trousers, accessorised with a burgundy cap, bow tie, sunglasses and brown and cream shoes. It was created and worn by Saidi Kanda, Brighton based musican and Sapeur. He describes this outfit as ‘Nguo Za Sapologi’, the outfit of a top, unique and competitive Sapeur. This Read More …
This outfit includes a grey suit with plus four trousers, a tartan hat and brown boots, created and worn by Saidi Kanda, Brighton based musican and Sapeur. He describes this outfit as ‘Nguo Za Masapel au Sapologist’ – the outfit of a Sapeur. The outfit was put together by Saidi as a millenium celebration outfit, Read More …
This outfit includes a tweed suit, red felt hat and brown shoes, styled and worn by Saidi Kanda, Brighton based musician and Sapeur. For Saidi, being a Sapeur means he is devoted to his clothes and sartorial expression. His love of clothes comes from his family, particularly his grandmother, who inspired him to design and Read More …
This vintage kaftan previously belonged to a wealthy American tourist who bought it while on safari in Kenya in the 1980s. It was produced by African Heritage Ltd, a gallery co-founded by former vice-president of Kenya, Joseph Murumbi, his wife Sheila, and American Alan Donovan. The gallery, which expanded from a shop to a huge Read More …
This T shirt was produced to commemorate the deaths of two prominent Kenyan activitsts and martyrs. Activitists such as Zarina Patel and Zahid Rajan, who the Museum acquired this T shirt from, produced and wore these ‘protest’ or ‘struggle’ T shirts as a form of resistance and commemoration. They have amassed a collection of protest Read More …
This T shirt was created to promote political change in Kenya and demand a return to a democracy. Inspired by the events in South Africa at the time, the T shirt depicts Nelson and Winnie Mandela, and celebrates Mandela’s release from prison and the African National Congress Party (ANC). Underground activitists such as Zarina Patel Read More …
This T shirt was produced to mark the 10th anniversary of the campaign to save Jeevanjee Gardens, a public park in Nairobi. The Gardens were founded and donated to the people of Nairobi by Alibhai Mulla Jeevanjee, an Indian born entrepreneur. When the park’s future was threatened with sale to developers in 1991, Jeevanjee’s descendents, Read More …