Celebrating style with these authentic African fabrics

We are blessed with an extensive collection of fabrics, enough to turn the multi-billion global fashion industry around. Ideal for décor, footwear, accessories and garments, these fabrics are all the rage right now. Designers such as Stella McCartney are using some of these fabrics to spruce up their collections. Let us celebrate them with pride.

Bark cloth
While this fabric is hundreds of years old, London based Ugandan designer Jose Hendo is using bark fabric (yes, bark from trees) to create super-stylish and avant-garde outfits for the runway and ready to wear. Make good use of the stylish nature of bark fabric and allow yourself to be on the “cutting edge” side of fashion. Thanks to the brand, bark cloth can be seen on youthful designs perfect for even the youngest fashionista there is.

Kitenge
No longer considered “boring”, kitenge fabric has a look and style that will suit everyone’s taste due to the wide array of designs. Nothing says “Africa” quite like kitenge and ensuring that women can be ethnic and stylish well into their golden years.

Kitenge comes in different designs and patterns and is often brightly coloured. It can be made by tie and dye, waxed, or printed via batik. It is being incorporated into a multiplicity of designs.

From jumpsuits to cocktail dresses and long dresses with custom detail, kitenge fabric is everywhere. It is even on bags and shoes. You can get creative by combining your kitenge t-shirt with slacks and a jacket or wear a jacket made from kitenge fabric with jeans and loafers.

Vibrant outfits

Kitenge outfits have bright prints and attractive patterns which are religious and traditional designs. Kitenge can be won by both mature and young women. Of all the Kitenge fashions, maxi dresses are at the top of every fashion trend in Africa, they are the most classic and colourful, often worn with a flamboyant headpiece.

Three ways to wear kitenge
Maxi dress
Whether you are going to church, a wedding or visiting the in-laws, the kitenge maxi is your reliable companion.

Fancy wear
Going out for an evening or a wedding and you do not want to come across as overdressed? The kitenge dress is your subtle solution.

Weekend style
Going somewhere at the weekend? A festival or date perhaps, there are cool kitenge separates which will sort you out.