ELLE Style Reporter

 

Not with a Fizzle, but with a Bang!!!

Being an African and having its blood flowing in our veins, colour and contrast comes naturally. It is constantly being said that South African fashion is always a season behind, but if you ask me, I would without a doubt say that the “fashion leaders” are actually chasing after us this time round. Africa is making waves in the fashion cycle at the moment as they did way back when in S/S of 1992. Colour and print are back in town with all guns blazing.

Being South African, basically early adopters in this case, we use this trend as an everyday fashion accessory and a way of life, rather than an over-expossed and under-appreciated catwalk queen.

To us, print-fashion is a mere way of showing our individuality. These are various trailblazers that have mastered the motif, some with a more clannish approach to ethnic beauty than others, but print is print. 

 

With colourful skirts, sand tone jumpsuits and T’s, on trend mullet skirts inspired by the rich Afro-centric movement that has hit the global fashion market, creates a sense of pride within us Africans.

In the heart of Pretoria, this African princess blew me away and at the same time gave me exactly what I was looking for.  The way she had embraced modern street-style, in collaboration with her cultural heritage of colour and print, was outstanding. I mean, take a look at her, she is utterly confident and knows exactly who she is.

 

Firstly, who rocks a handbag made of “Fanta Orange” bottle caps like she does?  We most definitely shall not see anything like that in streets of Europe!  For me that, in itself, is the epitome of fashion.

We certainly do not need an entire wardrobe, engulfed with tribal print in all the colours under the sun, it is more about using the Afro-centric trend in moderation, together with your everyday style as an accessory, rather than a red-carpet do. Embrace your heritage as well as the moment then you shall be the vogue of this season. Cause as Heidi Klum says, "In fashion one day your in and the next, your out!"

 

Rather than being a tribal tribulation, instead jump for joy as you follow this blue print to a sensational summer, as Africa brings you the latest indigenous fashion straight to your doorstep.