Documenting changing fashion in Africa post-1960
This thick woollen blanket is an iconic textile in southern Africa. Originating in Lesotho, they are associated with King Moshoeshoe I (c. 1786 – 1870) who was also responsible for popularising shweshwe fabric. Basotho blankets are worn around the shoulders secured with a large pin, reminescent of the way in which Sotho men would have 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 T shirt was produced for a South African presidential election. These were worn by supporters of the African National Congress (ANC) party and their candidate Thabo Mbeki. Mbeki became South Africa’s second black head of state in 1999, preceded by Nelson Mandela. It belonged to Dr. Catherine Elliot Weinberg, a UK-based South African who Read More …
This skirt is made from shweshwe fabric, printed by da Gama and tailored by ‘Alfalfa’ clothing label. Shweshwe is a printed cotton fabric that is so ubiquitous in southern Africa that it has been called the denim of the region. The skirt belonged to Dr. Catherine Elliot Weinberg, an African heritage researcher. She is a Read More …
This cardigan was made by the South African knitwear brand Maxhosa by Laduma, founded by designer Laduma Ngxokolo. This garment is part of the brand’s Apropriyeyshin spring/summer 2017 collection. Laduma was taught to knit by his mother in his teens, and founded Maxhosa when he was just 24. To produce high quality knitwear and support Read More …
This wax print shirt was given to the donor as a gift by his hosts when visiting the University of Ghana. The design is an example of traditional Indonesian influenced wax print. Also called Dutch wax or Ankara, wax print has a history that is tied up with colonialism. Originally inspired by Javanese batik designs Read More …
A three piece mens occassion wear outfit, consisting of a large agbada or boubou gown, undershirt and trousers made from damask satin or bazin riche fabric. The owner came from a Muslim family and the Islamic influence of this outfit can be seen not only in the shape of the gown, but also in the Read More …
This pair of sandals are made with leather uppers and rubber soles. They are a classic style of sandal that feature soles made from recyled car tyres; these smart sandals are often bought by tourists. In Kenya, and many other countries in Africa, the practice of making leather sandals has a very long history. Since Read More …
This pair of sandals are made entirely from recycled car tyres. In Kenya, and many other countries in Africa, the practice of making leather sandals has a very long history. Since the arrival of cars, makers have adapted their leather working skills and utilised rubber from tyres. People found that the rubber from car tyres Read More …
This pair of sandals are made entirely from recycled car tyres. In Kenya, and many other countries in Africa, the practice of making leather sandals has a very long history. Since the arrival of cars, makers have adapted their leather working skills and utilised rubber from car tyres. People found that the rubber from car Read More …