Documenting changing fashion in Africa post-1960
This gele was was bought by the owner in Nigeria in the late 1970s. She remembers wearing it to a party when she was a university student in the early 1980s. It is made from woven blue striped fabric. A gele is an elaborate headwrap worn by Yoruba women as part of a matching outfit, Read More …
This aso-oke fila was worn by Shola Bello, a British Nigerian man, at his wedding. Aso-oke translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’ and was traditionally narrow strip-woven by men. It is a popular choice for special occasion outfits for Yoruba people in Nigeria and in the UK. While some groom’s outfits are entirely Read More …
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 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 …
This scarf was acquired from South African textile historian Juliette Leeb-du Toit. She bought it from a charity shop around 2010 but it dates from the early 1990s. In the years leading up to the end of Apartheid doves were used as a symbol of the hope for peace in the country. Juliette recalls pin Read More …
This wax print hat was produced as a promotional item by ABC textiles in the 1990s. Wax print, also called Dutch wax or Ankara, has a history that is tied up with colonialism. Originally inspired by Javanese batik designs from Dutch colonies in Indonesia, Dutch manufacturers began mass producing printed textiles which mimicked the look 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 …
This Nigerian women’s fashion magazine showcases contemporary styles of aso-oke and African lace outfits. Collected as part of the Fashioning Africa project. Creator: Fashion & Style Magazine Place: Nigeria, West Africa, Africa Date: 2018