All Things Tribal

What comes to mind when you think of Afrocentric?

For us, it all boils down to expression! Our history, our culture, our passion as Africans. Let's address it right now_ if you were born on this continent, YOU ARE AFRICAN despite the colour of your skin, language and family heritage. If you know what "pap" is, you are definitely African! Growing up in Western culture, our roots have suffered but, through fashion have been reborn & morphed into something spectacular. As young African women we've grown accustom to leaving traditional clothing to the elders, that may not be the case anymore...

We took it to the streets...

Yello Mello: How STUNNING is this?? Very chic, embodies Africa in ALL the colours (skin included) ;-) Absolutely breathtaking! This is my favourite!


Who wouldn't pick her up looking like this??



Tshilz: I'm really loving this beaded vest, which takes about a week to make, depending on the style or beads selected, anyway who wouldn't want to wear an R800 vest? What really gets me about these pieces is their versatility; it's a day to evening accent. Statement pieces are always a MUST, it's amazing how one piece can change an outfit.  The Ndebele Choker is a nice touch and what's great is it accentuates your neck. Four stars from me!  

Yello Mello: Had to NEGOTIATE with my mother for those gold pieces, but this is definitely where they were meant to be, completing the look. In Afrocentric chic, gold statement pieces will never lead you astray.

Tshilz: Nthabiseng (model to the far left) just proves that one wouldn't pick up on the androgynous tendencies of this vest, which is Nigerian Buba cut and TshiVenda in accents.

This Nigerian inspired ensemble has no urban limit with original-coloured Timberlands, leggings and golden statement jewellery... from Mello's mom's jewellery box.

Afrocentric is an embodiment of culture & history, it's never wrong to mix & match different cultures, nations or heritages. Our models prove that timelessly. 

Give yourselves a pat on the back, we're part of a country that's truly internalised each other's cultures & takes part in each other's beliefs. Rainbow nation... need we say more? And what better canvas than fashion.

... and the crowd's response was insane! All cultural boundaries ceased to exist.

These outfits were definite head-turners and somehow re-ignited an African pride amongst people going about their business. People of all races were commenting and asking 'Where can I get these outfits?' Most of the items were designed by
Jessica Mbangeni and funny enough the rest we found whilst rummaging through our mothers' wardrobes (Tip of the Day: GO THROUGH MOM's WARDROBE_ Gold mine, we tell you!). Looking good and being an individual doesn't have to be expensive or over the top, keep an eye out for things that intice your inner-fashionista!

So what's the symbolism behind all these colours and pieces? We researched this topic seeing as neither of us are Ndebele and this is what we found. Each colour has a specific meaning and can be read like a book if the colour codes are understood. The actual colours and their meanings can be found on:
http://arthistoryalex.tripod.com/Africa/AfricanHut/Ndebele/

HISTORY LESSON 101

A married Ndebele woman's dresscode is all in all the most fascinating thing i've read in ages. In the past, it was tradition for a man to kidnap a woman and take her to his home to be presented as his wife. Because majority of the marriages were not mutual agreements, the new mother-in-law would put Itzila (rings) around the legs and neck of the woman. The rings around her legs were made to slow her down in case she tried to run away and the rings around her neck, restrict her head movement. Upon agreement, lobola was paid to the woman's parents, a goat is slaughtered and a leather apron, called Intjogolo, is made from its skin. it declares to her ancestors that she is no longer part of the family and has settled into a new family. A blanket is worn by a married woman to conceal her body from everyone but her husband. Designs are specific to a family & it's the woman's responsibility to decorate the household in the family's colours and patterns.

Phew, we got more than we bargained for, these beautiful accessories have history which just makes us appreciate them more. Next time you pick up a traditional accessory, discover it's rich history & wear it with pride.

                                            Designer: Jessica Mbangeni