Africa - The Fashion Continent

Discover a fresh and dynamic perspective on contemporary African fashion design, characterized by vibrant creativity and a departure from limiting stereotypes. This book takes you on a journey from the runways of Lagos to the music festivals of Casablanca and Nairobi, introducing you to the influential "image makers" of Marrakech and the trendsetters of Dakar and Accra. A new generation of African fashion designers, photographers, bloggers, and hair and makeup artists are reshaping the aesthetic landscape of the continent.

These young creatives embody audacity, humor, disruption, and innovation. While embracing and revaluing their heritage, they offer a distinctly modern outlook on fashion. This creative revolution is an extension of a broader cultural reappropriation movement and the development of a unique visual language. Ghanaian Asafo flags inspire appliqué designs that convey contemporary messages on silk dresses, traditional textile prints empower women, and Xhosa beaded embroidery influences modern knitwear.

Body artists use their craft as a platform for activism, while photographers explore themes of identity, gender, and the environment through clothing and adornment. Urban neighborhoods are reimagined through the ubiquitous lens of smartphones, presenting a fresh perspective. This volume celebrates a generation of creative individuals who defy conventions, rewriting the narrative of African fashion and leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.