Kathryn gives us her report on the budget fashion scene ( or lack of a scene) in Europe.
What: Bold prints, directly inspired by the Dutch wax prints found throughout western Africa, is showing up on everything from handbags to dresses.
What I Think: About time. African immgirants have always been a huge inspiration for European fashion designers (whether they want to admit it or not), so it makes sense that bold wax prints would start to show up in mass market lines as well. These colorful prints are a great way to add a bit of pop to a basic summer white dress or Fall 08 all black ensembles via a cute clutch or scarf. Resist the urge to wrap your up a la Erykah Badu circa 1998, unless you happen to be of African descent.
Where to Buy: If you live in the Uk, Primark on Oxford High Street has the by far the best selection and the best prices for the accessories. If you live in the states, try H&M or Old Navy, for a limited selection and/or venture into any, as my friend Monique calls them, “Black Ladies’ Hair Care Store”, for a selection of African print accessories (although the quality will vary).
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I like these types of African prints. Not dissimilar to Malaysian batiks that are created with wax in the same way. Europe in indeed full of ethnic prints and accessories at the moment, but America is getting its fair share too. I prefer to think of this influence as the
Where is that bag from thats in the first picture?? I love it!
yes! This has always been a look I love—now I understand that it must be because of my visits to “Black Ladies’ Hair Care Stores”! Love it. Prints are big right now, so makes total sense.