Urban World

Trends - African Prints

It has to be done. With Spring 2010’s love of African-inspired prints and colours, (more) attention needs to be directed towards the resurgence of such a trend. It turns out that it’s not just a hot summer – it’s a hot, African summer.

I’m far from a fashion expert, but it’s been easy to witness more fashion retailers in abundance jumping on patterns with an Afrocentric focus. Not that this is the first time for this to happen, fashion goes in circles – it’s true. Though I must say, this year, the translation of this trend to the catwalk and onto the street has really become apparent. I love it but wonder what it is that has brought these designs to the forefront of Western fashion again – when there are plenty of designers that don’t utilize the “so last year” concept when it comes to such styles?

I’m sure there are plenty of explanations. One may be as simple as the fact that the weather is good, we’re feeling it, and what better way to show this then by showing the hottest pieces inspired by what is, literally, one of the hottest continents on the planet?

I’m always happy to see some attention being paid to the beauty that Africa can produce. Nonetheless, as much as I love Marc Jacobs, and others who have incorporated this look into present collections, I’m happiest to see designers like African Mosaique and Jewel By Lisa, raising their profiles. These are examples of designers that continuously esteem African fashion, and undoubtedly, provide ongoing inspiration for other designers who draw from these styles. They remind us that Africa is more than just a trend – Africa is always in style.