LOOK: Designers celebrate vibrant Ankara fabric at London’s African Fashion Week

LONDON - Designers from around the world played with the vibrant hues and striking patterns of the African wax print fabric known as Ankara on the runways of London's African Fashion Week last weekend.

 

#fashion #gameon can you tell who the #designer is? #AFWL2015

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Aug 12, 2015 at 6:49am PDT

 

@Regrann from @michaeltubescreations - @asakeoge pronounced (A-SHA- KE-O-GE). ‘Asake’ is the founder’s native name and ‘Oge’ means Fashion in her native Yoruba language. ÀSÀKÉOGÉ had a clear vision, to design and produce garments that women of all shapes and sizes would love to wear. Specializing in custom-made womenswear with a passion for bold colours and prints borne from her roots and guided by a strong British tailoring influence, ÀSÀKÉOGÉ designs and produces limited edition ready to wear and one-off garments for the fashion forward woman. Each garment is tailored with attention to detail and emphasis on the feminine silhouette. #afwl #afwl2015 #ankara #africanprint #fashion #fashionable #fashionblog #fashionblogger #fashionstyle #africanwear #michaeltubes #michaeltubescreations #fashiondiaries #africanfashion #africanpride #beauty #Regrann

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Aug 11, 2015 at 10:09am PDT

 

@Regrann from @fashions_finest_insta - Africa fashion week London #model #beauty #hair #fashionsfinest #Regrann

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Aug 11, 2015 at 4:17am PDT

 

@Regrann from @house_of_mucha - I didn't see this coming ???????????? this is just the beginning the best is yet to come#grateful#fashion#london##Africanfashion#iwearafrican#africafashionweek2015#summer#ethnicprints#africanwomen#africantraditon#africanArt#kente#ankara#teamAfrica#blackgirlsrock#africangirl#iwearafrican#inspired#printswag#stunning#ankarafashion#ankarachic#africanprintslover#blackisbeautiful#SouthernAfrica#westafrica#northafrica

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Aug 10, 2015 at 2:37pm PDT

 

Sakara rocked the runway in style at the Africa Fashion Week in London. Picture credit : @michaeltubescreations. #Olympia #AFWL2015 #AUGUST2015 #AfricafashionweekLondon2015

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Aug 10, 2015 at 8:25am PDT

Taiwanese designer Amy Chien Ku, of Aimeeku, featured fuchsia and lilac Ankara motifs with colorful tweed for a romantic, floral look.

"I like to combine floral and lace details because as an Asian our style tends to be sweet and cute," she said about her collection. "I love blending these romantic elements with African style."

Aimeeku's bandeau skater dresses and short A-line hemmed skirts were a favorite at the two-day London Olympia showcase. "African style is going to be a huge trend not just for Africans but for everybody," Ku said.

 

Rosie Dress #AIMEEKU #SS2016 collection 'Blossom' #printisthenewblack #africafashionweeklondon2015 #ankarafashion #lace #asianafro #style #africanispired #taiwanesedesigner

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Aug 12, 2015 at 6:52am PDT

African motifs are increasingly cropping up in the the international fashion industry. London designer Erdem Moralioglu's spring/summer show was heavily influenced by Katharine Hepburn in "The African Queen" and African references were interwoven throughout his collection.

Also taking part in the fashion week were Tarryn Shepherd, creative director of Rooi Rok Bokkie, and Shauna Neill, owner of accessories brand Blossom Handmade.

The pair played 1950s South African song "Pata Pata" as models danced on the runway wearing silk geometrical print jumpsuits matched with emerald beads and semi-precious stones.

The annual event has showcased more than 300 designers since its debut in 2011. — Reuters