Textiles are the most precious and valuable item a person could own, they express individuality, personality and energy of either the wearer or the place. It took a while for Africa to recognise richness in our cultural environment and give fashion potent individuals the chance to show it off, but fortunately now we have embraced and shown the world we know what we’ve got and we’re willing to share it. More and more designers flock to Africa to for inspiration for their designs and fabrics.
One fabric trend which has recently taken the industry by storm is the Malian “Mud Cloth”. The mud cloth also known as “Bogolanfini” is a handmade Malian cotton fabric dyed using a process of fermented mud that dates back to 12th century. This fabric has an important place in Malian culture and history and unlike the Ankara fabric; the mud cloth is traditionally produced.
This trending fabric has hit runways worldwide and has been worn by international celebrities such Beyonce, Rihanna and Solange.
By Pamela Echemunor
