Africa

[runner]

Munoz Vrandecic

 

[Deleted member 1957]

theres some african jewelry in a thread i posted in the magazines page. its under cosmopolitan kenya

 

[morgan38]

In addition to the ethnic, tribal look of the African style, I also find myself liking some of the "safari" influences...in small doses of course

 

[Diorling]

In addition to the ethnic, tribal look of the African style, I also find myself liking some of the "safari" influences...in small doses of course

I agree. I don't like the African look, I like the glamorous woman goes on Safari in Africa and comes back with a few African touches. I love safari coats.

Ive noticed that YSL didn't even hint at safari for S/S but Gucci was a beaded dress away from being a tribute to him. I mean seriously, with those archives...

 

[Lena]

fresh africa approach from costume national ss05

 

[Lena]

etro's africa approach ss05

 

[travolta]

"an extensive exploration of man's ongoing obsession with animalism in clothing"

i think this makes a lot of sense...i remember when soft mentioned a possible japanese avant garde resurgence..i think this is similar...raw, exposed seams and natural textures. i think this could go further and be more sophisticated--i can see a surge of textiles that feel as if they are grafted animal skins, but non skins..synthetic...i think biomimicry as a trend could definately cross into the fashion world...but less literally interpreted like fur and feathers..but more hybrid.

 

[travolta]

i like the bag runner posted with the scar seam...wouldn't if you nicked a bag and it could leave a scar-clot and essentially regenerate themselves? it is a delicously scary thought.

 

[Spike413]

I really love it when designers explore African culture, there's something very mysterious and exotic about it that appeals to me. It's very sensual as well, not necessarily in an overt way but just the colors and the rawness of it all makes it very beautiful and powerful.

Especially loved Gaultier's last couture collection.

 

[TheSoCalledPrep]

agreed... the colors are so beautiful, too..

 

[Lena]

agreed on gaultier's africa couture, great collection

 

[mirrra]

Fact: The typical colorful african prints used by women all over the country is produced in the Netherlands and then exported.

The indigo blue cotton used by the Tuaregs is nowadays made in China.

Sad.

sad. the african paterns are really inspirational

 

[Lena]

beautiful photo mirra, welcome to tFS

 

[oceanharlot]

slightly off topic- There is this artist Yinka Shonibare who uses african print fabric as a main element of his work, he was just recently nominated for the Turner Prize this year, but did not win.

I think its interesting that this trend is seen not just in fashion, but also in art....

 

[mirrra]

thanks Lena

oceanharlot thanks for Yinka's Shonibare pictures, lot of his works are
in a way fashion related

 

[Lena]

thanks for introducing us to Yinka Shonibare's africa inspired work,
he's using african fabrics in a real interesting way

btw, i just love those shoes mirrra

 

[luxmode]

Nice thread. I love those Yinka Shonibare pics oceanharlot and the Costume National jewelry Lena. Also, the pics posted by mirrra

 

[Spike413]

Figured I'd post some great photos from Gaultier's collection....

http://www.***************/image/0126200515271634.jpghttp://www.***************/image/0126200515273827.jpg

http://www.***************/image/0126200515272285.jpghttp://www.***************/image/0126200515273503.jpg

http://www.***************/image/0126200515280970.jpghttp://www.***************/image/0126200515290981.jpg

http://www.***************/image/0126200515291676.jpghttp://www.***************/image/0126200515294848.jpg
all photos: Style.com and Elle.com

 

[travolta]

thanks for posting. i find a lot of it very beautiful. the top of that red dress is so vivid

 

[Spike413]

And some gorgeous photos from Gallliano's first collection at Dior, the Masai collection which I absolutely love