As America and Canada celebrate Black History Month in February, I thought it would be a good idea to take a look at the cultural influences that African fashion has had on style and design over the years. We all know that the great big world of global fashion has always borrowed bits and pieces from other nations, cultures, and countries. But, it seems to me that the role that African artisans played in swaying fashion ideas might have started with the Civil Rights Movement, when embracing and celebrating the identity as well as the colorful style of the people of that continent became a cause to rally around. These textiles were brought to America along with the unwilling participants in the despicable slave trade. Many of the slaves were very experienced in weaving and so were able to bring to the table some of the skills they already knew and then pass them on to others. Like many other cultures, each tribe had special colors and designs that were unique only to them. They helped signify one’s station in life, as well as who did not belong in a particular village. Hundreds of years later now, these weaving and dyeing techniques are still in use for a variety of purposes including high fashion.

In recent years there have been Africa Fashion Weeks in cities like Paris, London, and New York. These events have been produced since 2010 when then New York Mayor Bloomberg officially recognized the effort with a proclamation. In addition, there is also Arise Africa Fashion Week, as well as South Africa Fashion Week, and I’m sure many more to come. Organizers and sponsors of all of these annual events, host African designers and promote the cultural significance of their work. You can check out Africa Fashion Week New York here if you’d like. 

As you can see, there are many ways to learn more about the fashion and art of Africa. While some individuals prefer to focus on the traditional robes or headdress such as 60’s songstress Nina Simone did, or Queen Latifah and Erykah Badu today, others see the role of these indigenous fabrics as a springboard for interpretation in a much more modern and less literal way. Fashion designers from all over the world have been drawn to the vibrant colors and unusual prints of the African textile in recent years because of the beauty and imagery they provide as inspiration.  

But, as always in fashion, anyone of any lineage can adapt and adopt this global trend for him or herself. The blindingly bright prints and colors may not be for you as a dress, skirt, pants or tunic like some of the outfits illustrated here, but like I always say, ACCESSORIES are accessible to ALL! 

Just a small pop of color from an African print can enliven any spring or summer outfit quite easily. Look for handbags, hats, scarves, shoes, earrings and yes, even bow ties, to show your spirit and solidarity with African artists who continue to delight and surprise us with their joyous designs stimulated by their inborn experience.

Goodwill is a great source for all types of cultural fashion items, as our donation base covers a broad spectrum of nationalities, leaving you many choices for updating your own personal style on a world-class scale. Supporting our mission has never been brighter or more colorful than with these fashion ideas that literally come “Out Of Africa!”