African print out to shine always

African print continues to be one of the least celebrated gems we have on the continent. It is always shunned in favour of other exotic prints and fabrics and, designers who focus their design aesthetic on the print are often times considered ‘uncreative’. Perhaps we need to be taken back to school on the beauty and vibrancy of African print, because our friends in Europe and the US have and still find it fascinating.
You have probably stumbled upon photos from Beyonce’s baby shower which was held last week. The American singer together with her family and friends had an African-inspired baby shower, and it is probably the most trending topic on Instagram now. The stylish guests brought to life a galore of options the print can do other than the usual dress, skirt and shirt. Let us not forget Lupita Nyongo, the Oscar winning Kenyan actress who made case for the print in beautiful head wraps as she promoted her movie Queen of Katwe last year.
It should not shock you that most of Nyong’o’s headwraps were designed by American and European brands. Brands such as Valentino, and Dolce and Gabbana are using these prints in almost all their collections.
Another example is that of American teens whose photos of their African print prom dresses almost broke the internet last month. African print is receiving immense recognition away from Africa, something that is abit worrying. Why? We do not find it modern enough, and at most a little boring. However, there are countless ways the print can be played around with to suit our ‘modern obsessed’ selves.

As formal wear
African print can be used for formal wear. A formal shirt cut with the crisp appearance of the office wear shirt, but in African print worn with a work wear skirt does not just ooze elegance, it is evidence that the wearer is confident.
Local brands such as Hot Kyana, have these work wear designs in stock. Work wear skirts, shirts, dresses and pants that fit the body just as good as other fabrics. Everything one looks for in appropriate work wear.

As couture
Couture is not couture if it is without intricate detail and hours of sewing and beading. It is what is usually favoured at glamorous events such as red carpet events and weddings.
However, African print can also be incorporated in couture outfits. Media personality Malaika Nnyanzi wore a yellow and blue printed gown at the 2017 Club Music Video awards, and she almost brought the house down. Perhaps the most unforgettable thing about her choice of outfit, was the matching head wrap, which was also in the print.

As accessories
African-inspired accessories are all the rage. The 2016 edition of Kampala Fashion Week brought to our fold a number of accessories designers using African print, antiques and ornaments in their work. Need I forget Gloria Wavamunno’s floral print chokers, not necessary African print, but evidence that printed chokers can ‘work’? Bags, belts, neck pieces and shoes with a touch of the print are another modern way of incorporating the print into your wardrobe. These can be matched with other outfits that are not printed.

There are plenty of unexpected ways to incorporate African print into your wardrobe. You will never feel so chic. Here are few ways.
Creative options to pick from
1.A head wrap
A head wrap in the print is the most interesting way to add personality and fun to your hair. The beauty of the head wrap is it can be styled in a plethora of ways, and can suit any style of hair. Wear a head wrap and keep everything else simple, and you will surely turn heads.
2.As swimwear
Yes, African print swimsuits are on the market. There are no limitations on how much colour you have to put on display at the beach. As long as there is some colour and the sun is out. You will not ever get it wrong.

3.As a modern skirt
The modern skirt is not one with the traditional cut and hemline. Skirts now come as skorts (where are skirt is attached to a pair of shorts to form one piece), in deconstructed make (where the skirt is altered to have uneven edges, pockets in unimaginable positions, et al) and in many more interesting makes. And, all these are available in African print.

4.As a jumpsuit
Do not underestimate the power of a jumpsuit, and so if it is in African print, the wearer becomes even fiercer.
5.As a modern shirt
Just like every other thing, shirts now come in interesting makes. From the now ubiquitous off the shoulder cut, the new cold shoulder cut, deconstructed make, with ruffled detail, bell sleeves and puffed shoulders. All in African print.