Documenting changing fashion in Africa post-1960
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 …
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 strip of aso-oke fabric was collected by Fashioning Africa collecting panel member Edith Ojo in 2018 to represent contemporary aso-oke styles. Aso-oke, which translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’ is a formal textile, traditionally woven by men. Its is primarily made from cotton or silk, woven in long narrow strips which are Read More …
This strip of aso-oke fabric was collected by Fashioning Africa collecting panel member Edith Ojo in 2018 to represent contemporary aso-oke styles. Aso-oke, which translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’ is a formal textile, traditionally woven by men. Its is primarily made from cotton or silk, woven in long narrow strips which are Read More …
This strip of aso-oke fabric was collected by Fashioning Africa collecting panel member Edith Ojo in 2018 to represent contemporary aso-oke styles. Aso-oke, which translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’ is a formal textile, traditionally woven by men. Its is primarily made from cotton or silk, woven in long narrow strips which are Read More …
This strip of aso-oke fabric was collected by Fashioning Africa collecting panel member Edith Ojo in 2018 to represent contemporary aso-oke styles. Aso-oke, which translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’ is a formal textile, traditionally woven by men. Its is primarily made from cotton or silk, woven in long narrow strips which are Read More …
This strip of aso-oke fabric was collected by Fashioning Africa collecting panel member Edith Ojo in 2018 to represent contemporary aso-oke styles. Aso-oke, which translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’ is a formal textile, traditionally woven by men. Its is primarily made from cotton or silk, woven in long narrow strips which are Read More …
This strip of aso-oke fabric was collected by dress historian and Fashioning Africa collecting panel member Lou Taylor in the 1970s. Aso-oke translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’. It is a formal cloth that is traditionally handwoven by the men of southwestern Nigeria using a narrow strip loom. It is primarily made from Read More …
This strip of aso-oke fabric was collected by dress historian and Fashioning Africa collecting panel member Lou Taylor in the 1970s. Aso-oke translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’. It is a formal cloth that is traditionally handwoven by the men of southwestern Nigeria using a narrow strip loom. It is primarily made from Read More …
This commemorative cloth was made in Burkina Faso and celebrates 10 years of ‘Association des Servantes du Christ’. Commemorative cloths are a popular way to promote organisations, people and events. Collected as part of the Fashioning Africa project. Creator: unknown Place: Burkina Faso, West Africa, Africa Date: 1989