Africa does Africa BEST!

The Sad Reality

Africa is finally on the map, the world's sitting up and taking notice of what we can actually offer... even the fashion industry. The sad reality is, that there are still some stereo-types around Africa and though the biggest fashion houses in the world want to represent us, they know nothing about us. As an actor, you do research on the character you want to portray, shouldn't the same be done if you're going to boldly state your collection has African influence?

Here's how Africa is perceived by one of the biggest brands in the world... You need to see this and read the comments.

http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/trends/2012-spring-summer/afrocentric/gallery

That's as African as we get, right? Zebra print... seriously??

Tshilz: If this is not... like I don't know what's going on. Did he have a deadline to meet? I wouldn't wear this, this is lazy designing. Totally agree, he didn't do any research and relied on ignorance. If I was wearing that, I would JUMP into the bushes to hide! Safari IS NOT African, it's a tourist aspect of Africa_ doesn't necessarily have anything to do with Africa's social make-up.

Yello Mello: This was cute once upon a time, when the Lion King first came out but time's have changed and ignorance is no longer an excuse. We exalt the colour pallet but there is sooo much depth in terms of colour, pattern and material that could have been exploited.

... Burberry has dedicated their entire Spring/Summer 2012 collection to African influence, what do you think?

Yellow Mello: I actually like the wedges, I would definitely invest in them. you can never go wrong with beads and i love that the entire shoe is made of 'authentic' reed-material, it's absolutely stunning.

Definite props on the bags, I would rock that! It's couture with an African flare, one can be sophisticated without losing cultural importance. It's an elite more structured version of the tog bag_ sort of reminds me of a woven basket.  

Tshilz: I love the patterns, the sort of woven basket feel on accessories. Accessories = AMAZEBALLS!

 So, do we give them a pat on the back or bring them to Africa to experience our style first-hand?

We thought we should show there are two sides to a coin... Afrocentric Couture.

 Yello Mello: I am sooo at home with the outfit on the left. It's elegant, it's gorgeous, draws attentions but in a sophisticated chic manner. There's absolutely an ere of simple beauty, you are not trying 'too-hard' with this number.

Tshilz: I think this absolutely capturers, no, embodies  Afrocentricism. It's form (cut) is amazing, it's what every modern woman would want but still undeniably cultural_ it's colour, it's print. i think the designer transformed the female form into a bird(maybe a peacock) graceful, stately and only found on this continent. the materiality is absolutely narrative, it makes your eye want to folow the print down but accentuates her body. I'm literally drooling, I WANT IT!

... you can find the rest of this collection on http://africanvibes.com/wordpressnew/2011/11/15/%e2%80%98delicate-shades%e2%80%99-illustrating-colors-%e2%80%93-vlisco%e2%80%99s-fourth-fabric-collection-of-2011/

I guess the conclusion here truly speaks for itself, Africa does Africa best, it is about time we educate the rest of the world on the actual potential Africa has. Why are we not pushing our own brand?