African countries find unity through fashion

More South Africans are using African fashion to express their identity, beliefs and personal style - adopting cultural and traditional styles from neighbouring African countries.

The head designer of Afrolicious Designs Mamsie Mkhwanazi said designers were taking the best of the various African cultures and mixing it with their own.

“It’s amazing how isicholo (a traditional hat) is being replaced by a stiff Nigerian multi-layer turban. This compliments umembeso (a ceremony that is part of a Zulu wedding) dresses perfectly,” she said.

Mkhwanazi said the feather hand fan has also become a popular accessory with grooms who would match their Maasai inspired accessory with a Nigerian-inspired suit.

“It’s beautiful to watch how we Africans have grown to love ourselves instead of copying the West. Even the West has begun copying us. It’s evident on their international runways,” she added.

Mkhwanazi said that the blending of African fashion has also challenged local designers as they now had to learn more about how to design and make garments from other African countries.

“It’s both exciting and educational. I also didn't know that we are not allowed to use cow skin on garments until I attended a fashion show in Mauritius, because a cow is worshipped as a God. These are the things that make us learn and be proud to be Africans,” said Mkhwanazi.

Sipho Mbuto a fashion designer and creative director of the Eponymous label said traditional attire on the African continent have created a significant platform for the designers to showcase their work, promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Mbuto said this had a positive impact on the fashion industry as this shared identity fosters the sense of unity and pride among Africans. “It has promoted cultural exchange, collaborations, fusions, and empowerment,” said Mbuto.

Sthandiwe Hlongwane from Brightshadow fashion label said fashion united South Africans and it also gave them a chance to learn more about other African cultures, saying as a designer, inspiration increases creativity.