Fashion Review; Discover The Stories Behind African Fashion

By Taiwo Okanlawon

Africa is a large continent and the amount of culture that emerges from this continent is widespread across the global scene. The transformation of fashion from the wearing of animal skin to the innovation of clothing materials like silk, cotton, and more traditional materials like Ankara has been impressive.

The influence of African fashion is derivative and while the majority of Africans are used to wearing light clothing due to the warm climate of the continent, garments portray social status and hence the need to adorn the body. Africans are an interesting group of people, and while they value the unique clothing patterns of each tribe, they find beauty in the incorporation of decorated textiles and design techniques.

The bold intricate designs of each clothing material are usually woven into a piece that is more than just aesthetics. It is a vivid representation of the rich history of African culture, which began from the old days of wearing pieces made from natural sources like grass.

As decades went by, the African culture of fashion greatly increased in its richness. It became an alluring shape of untold stories and practical experiences. African women have played a crucial role in the promotion and sustenance of fashion so much that in the world today, it is an expression of artistic creativity.

African fashion has gained more momentum in recent years. From contemporary designs to traditional prints, it has become a trend that is widely recognised and embraced around the globe. Emerging and prominent designers have found new innovative ways to explore the textile market in Africa to showcase their creativity. The future of African fashion is promising and there are mainstream fashion brands that have been positioned to upscale the fashion industry.

One of such brands is Damichi Exoche. A Lagos-based fashion brand established by Oluwadamilola Elizabeth Odulaja in 2019, Damichi has celebrated its African signature with versatile pieces of kaftans, boubous and dresses that are easy to style and comfortable for travelling.

Damichi’s outstanding pieces are an expression of the unique African story. With the implementation of creativity and sustainable practices, Damichi’s pieces make women uniquely beautiful and connected to their African heritage.

DAMICHI 2020 COLLECTION

This outfit portrays a unique blend of cultural and modern styling. It is apparent that the outfit design reflects a deep appreciation for cultural heritage and a rich embrace of contemporary fashion trends. The various aspects of the dress including the colour, patterns, overall silhouette and bodice contribute to the visual appeal of the outfit.

The bright yellow colour is the main hue of the outfit. It evokes warm feelings of energy and positivity in the wearer. In the meaning of colours, yellow is associated with vibrancy and optimism which can be fully expressed in the wearer’s countenance when adorned with this piece. The designer’s choice of colour commands attention and would surely captivate the wearer in a gathering.

The striped aso-oke pattern enhances the visual appeal of the outfit. Picking a material with multi-coloured lines is the designer’s attempt to contrast the intense shade of the yellow background. This is a good combination of minimalist modern style and traditional pattern vibrancy, which is evident in the originality of the aso-oke to the Nigeria Yoruba culture.

The striped aso-oke piece is strategically placed on the upper body area and lower part of the dress. This creates a balanced symmetry. However, the placement can be a little bit refined by seamlessly joining the upper and lower parts to create a more cohesive appeal.

The choice of fabric looks soft and breathable. Making the outfit suitable for warmer climates like the African continent. There is a touch of modernity and comfort to the straight cut of the dress, revealing the slightly structured shoulders of the silhouette.

This outfit is suitable for all body types and will create a flattering look for any personality. Designed to enhance comfort without compromising personal style, this outfit is versatile and can be worn to casual and semi-formal gatherings. For women who love to create a fashion statement, this piece can be cinched at the waist with a belt, to give it a more tailored silhouette.

Overall, the outfit is a beautiful showcase of brightly coloured and stylish outfits. The designer has successfully shown a thoughtful result of the combination of creative ideas and technological innovations. While minimal adjustments can be made to redefine the silhouette, add more African story elements like sewn-in beads around the neckline, the dress still remains a fashionable piece of cultural significance.

This outfit is a showcase of vibrant colours and cultural significance. It draws the influence of traditional African fashion to create an aesthetically pleasing garment. The bold colours, loose fit, and innovative style make it an outstanding piece.

The navy-blue colour is the main hue of the outfit. It resonates with a calm and grounding effect and contrasts well to accentuate the brighter colours on the cloth. Navy blue is a popular colour so often used as colour codes for several occasions.

The bold pink colours, infused into the neckline embroidery and motifs of the dress are an outstanding feature. It elevates the look of the dress and adds a feminine touch to it. This shade of pink is not in a wrong contrast with the dress as it is not overly vibrant and is in harmony with the navy-blue colour. This combination creates a lively sense of movement and adds depth to the designs.

The fabric seems to have a slightly thick texture and it is likely handwoven. This choice of material adds authenticity to the dress and displays its cultural significance. While the weight and structure of the material are not compromised, easy movement is guaranteed while wearing it.

The hem of the dress is created in a fringe style and this adds extra details to the craftsmanship of the outfit. It improves the elegance of the dress by adding a traditional weaving technique to the dress’ hem. This was done to prioritise elegance.

This is a practical clothing style that suits all body types, making the clothing an inclusive choice. However, for women who are seeking to enhance their body structure, a belt may be required.

The visual narrative of this dress is an incorporation of modern design elements into the traditional style. This makes it more appealing for women who hope to tell their personal stories with fashion.

An obviously vibrant and culturally rich piece, the bold colours, intricate embroidery details and relaxed style make this outfit eye-catching. While this collection is thoughtful evidence of detailed craftsmanship, the overall appeal lies in the wearer’s personality.

Damichi Exoche is a symbol of a compelling choice of fashion and it is a testament to individuals who value the infusion of cultural style and modern energy.