HISTORY OF AFRICAN FASHION

Fashion has come a long way from how people in time past covered their nakedness, and kept their bodies warm. Rather, it has evolved into a form of art, creativity, self-expression, and innovation by fashion designers and consumers taking into consideration the whole physical appearance from hair, apparel, footwear, perfumes, accessories, makeup, bags, lifestyle, etc. It is now a multi-million-dollar industry serving various career categories and leading to new careers.

The African fashion scene has also come a long way from what it used to be in its early days when people adorned their bodies with certain apparel and balanced it with a stylish look, making a fashion statement and evolving into what is now a focus from all over the world. The only method of documentation of clothing at the time of old was those passed on by word of mouth.

In this day and age of modernization and globalization, the diversity of culture in the continent gives its fashion depth with a rich and colorful appearance.

THE FORERUNNERS OF AFRICAN FASHION

African fashion has been greatly influenced by colonization and presently globalization. Here are some Africans who paved the way in the fashion industry and remain a source of inspiration to so many.

Shade Thomas-Fahm

Shade Thomas-Fahm born on the 22^nd of September 1933 was one of Nigeria’s modern fashion designers. Her love for fashion started at the early age of twelve when she would pick pieces of cloth from her neighbors tailoring stores to make baby dresses. She moved to London with the intention of studying nursing but followed her passion for fashion and modeling where she earned a degree in fashion from St. Martins College of Art & Design.

Chris Seydou

Seydou was born in Kati Mali’s Koulikoro Region and spent part of his infancy in Ouagadougou before returning to Kati with his mother in 1963. His passion for fashion started when he began designing and creating clothing for dolls as a child. In 1965 he became an apprentice of Cheickene Camara a tailor at Kati and then returned to Ouagadougou to establish his first tailor shop.

Kofi Ansah

Kofi Ansah was born in 1951 into an artistic family who encouraged him to pursue his passion. In 1979 he graduated with a first-class honors degree in fashion design and distinction in design technology from Chelsea School of Art, London. His first fashion recognition came up when he made headlines on his graduation for a beaded top he made for Princess Anne.