Thanks to Koura for giving me a heads up on this one. So after
collaborating with Lavin and Versace H&M announced today that they
will be collaborating with Marni Next ( Am I the only one who never
heard of Marni?). As you can see on the pic above we can expect to see a
few pieces made from African print fabrics.I am not that excited
because the last two times I could not find anything that fits me
anyways. H&M is one of my favorite store however this worries me
bit. It worries me because I feel like it will take business from
African fashion designers that use print of course.This is the reason
why you should not limit yourself to only African print. when stores
like H&M starts selling African print at affordable prices a lot of
people might switch #justsayin.
Any thoughts ?
This is actually really annoying. Don't get me wrong it is nice that Africa is getting recognition for its fashion, but why can't they combine with African designers. I just feel that theses so called international designers are just robbing us, and making way more money! Just not fair.
ReplyDeleteP.S. African fashion is not limited to Ankara/ wax print only. International designers should take note! :-p
@anonymous I understand what u are saying.I get more upset when these big names use homemade fabrics.We've used the wax print for decades however we do not make it.That means that everyone is free to use it.The African fashion industry is very young so its up to our designers to prove themselves.
ReplyDeleteSlow down, folks and let's learn some history of African art here. First of all, so-called "African" prints like ankara/wax did not originate from us. They were appropriated by Africans in the first place. These prints are not indigenous to Africa. We are borrowers too and no one complained when we borrowed them. They came to us by way of Bali and Europe - yes, Europe - through the Netherlands. Ever heard of the East India Dutch Trading Company? How do you think the "George" cloth we use for wrappers in the southeast got to us? Think King George, India, the British Empire and trade. How much influence did dress forms of female Scottish missionaries have on what we now consider "traditional" dress in the Cross Rivers? Enough said. Let's not make fools of ourselves.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've learned Africans played a role in the design of patterns used for African wax print / Ankara fabric. International textile manufacturers modified their patterns for the African market when the original designs were not selling. Hence thr more 'cultural' looking patterns. So I think Africans can claim it and are responsible for the popularity. Plus even the fashion community refers to these looks as 'tribal' not looks from holland etc.
ReplyDelete