Lots of style is coming out of Africa…we are “Designing to an Afro Beat”…
Friday, January 1, 2010
..says the heading in the NY Times Thursday Styles, by Ruth La Ferla. What the Lion King may have influenced and now the new blockbuster (which I just saw) "Avatar" may further still ignite-- is a world of exoticism and tribal craft that excites the imagination. "Vanguard retailers like Barneys New York, mass marketers like American Apparel and designers as disparateas Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Frida Giannini of Gucci and Dries Van Noten embrace pan-African influences, responding, as if in concert to somefar waway drumbeat. Western fascination with African art and design has blown in gusts for over a century, of course, ever since Picasso and Kandinsky filled their canvases in tribal motifs. As recently as the 1970's, Yves St Laurent introduced a collection of "African" dresses constructed from raffia, shells and wooden beads.
This article only underlines and confirms the premise I often make--that design and beauty is there to be observed in travel, movies, art, and art books.
I've always treasured my Masai red beaded bracelets that stretch 4 inches on my wrists, my African straw bag (that Lauren Hutton also wore for years ecclectically with all her outfits) and my African influenced Robert Clergerie platform sandals--with their shell motif. Last year Azzedine Alaia designed several extraordinary pairs as well.They add personality to any simple outfit --especially when it's all white."Steal This Style" has photos of some favorite pieces (jewelry and shoes).
A friend just returned from Africa, and saw the crafts first hand. Buying from the women who make these beautiful items supports their ability to be self sufficient. One such site is www.samesky.com.
As I've shown with tunics and caftans--this is your opportunity to indulge in "more is more"!
No comments for this post yet. You could be the first...