Brenda Phiri
Fashion changes with each season and each season bring in new trends, but as much as it changes, fashion remains the same at the end of the day.
Take the return of the African prints — one of the biggest trends in the last two seasons.
The African print has made a grand return in the world of fashion, coming in all shapes, types and sizes.
Although they have been modernised, we are basically wearing what our grandmothers wore some 40 years ago, according to renowned creative designer of Zimbabwe Fashion Council Munyaradzi Gwese.
“The cloths that the women used as ‘mazambia’ then have returned as top sartorial must-haves. The only difference is that for that generation they were a mark of dignity rather than a fashion statement. And also the material came in crimplene and polyester whereas now we tend to favour cotton.
“Prints in floral, abstracts and geometrics have been a hit with both men and women.
African prints have been most fascinating, they are inspired by Kente cloths, bark cloths and mud cloths among others,” said Gwese.
She said African prints were now a prominent feature on regional and international runways with locals joining the band wagon.
“Prints are a staple on brands such as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and Zimbabwe Fashion Forward. Celebrity trend-setters Solange Knowels, Bonang Matheba and Rihanna have also stepped out wearing our grandmother’s ethnic wear,” he said.
Gwese said while this trend was ethnic, the cuts and silhouettes were modern and accessible.
He shed light on the right ways to rock the prints:
1. Wearing a bold African inspired print doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Find a simple tank or blouse and add a neutral bottom like a black skirt for a cool night out or white shorts for a day at the beach. If you’re not comfortable with so much print near your face, try a printed short or skirt and wear the neutral top.
2. Simplify the accessories. It is the easiest to wear in a dress. That being said, with a neck to knee print, it’s a good idea to keep your accessories to a minimum. Just a few to pull the dress into a well-rounded outfit will do. And keeping them in neutral tones is the best way to ground all of that print. A thin neutral belt at your natural waist will break up the pattern. A neutral, strappy shoe near your skin tone will elongate the leg line and keep it open. Keep your jewellery minimal and in a classic metallic tone that compliments the colours in the design.
3. Be Bold and mix prints – if you’re not afraid of prints and patterns, try mixing a modern print with your African inspired one. Like you could choose a black and white striped cropped top to mix with a cool African print trouser. The trick is to use the same colour story. The pants have a cerulean and neon yellow pattern that also has a minor striped under pattern. The striped top actually acts as your neutral. Cool neon yellow stiletto sandals and simple black accessories make this outfit chic and architectural without being unapproachable
This, among many other “come back” trends serve to show that there is nothing new under the sun when it comes to designing.
Other examples include the “revolution” pants that have evolved to bootlegs.
The “Biker jacket” from the eighties were made popular by the late star Michael Jackson especially in the video “Thriller”.
Fast forward to today Usher, Chris Brown and the likes of Tehn Diamond roaming the streets in bikers.