Wednesday 5 May 2010

Fashion Reconstructed

Fashion definitely has not lost its femininity albeit the depression. Fashion connoisseurs will agree with me that the 1930s and 40s were significant decades that highlighted the history of fashion. If necessity is the mother of invention, then in times of hardship, predictably the most stylish designs are invented or shall we say re-invented?
Nowadays, even the wealthiest show restraint in what they wear. They no longer feel at liberty to indulge in all of their fashion fantasies hence, a designer whose job is to create their client’s dreams, has to be more innovative and sensitive to the client’s demands without compromising on quality. Most designers are beginning to experiment with fabrics that were not classically used for mainstream dressmaking. The African print is the new emphasis.
Our African designers are doing an excellent job in delivering opulent, flamboyant pieces as we see new inspirations being born through collaboration of fashion and arts in their work. Traditional art and crafts from Africa such as weaving, knitting, dyeing and tapestry, has been taken to the epitome of fashion today.
Going through my archives for inspiration and research for my new collection, I couldn’t help but leave with the impression that the current fashion era was reminiscent of the 1930s. I realized how social trends dictate fashion.
The great depression had a profound influence on fashion designs. Designers had to transition from opulent designs to basic silhouette designs which were more affordable. Although this was driven by the economics of the time, these new designs became very culturally appealing and in retrospect influenced fashion in subsequent years. The quintessential features of these design entailed outfits that were centered around the contours of the body. In my new collection, I do not only play with colours, but focus on these silhouettes. Our bias-cut designs, creates clothes that flirtatiously fall on you, and show off your body in a more naturalistic way. The ruffles inadvertently give an illusion of elegance without being predictable.

Arguably, the current recession may just have been the breath of fresh air the African fashion industry needed! A recession does very little to our obsession over fashion. Especially to us women!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are so true! Keep up the good works!I am sure i have told you this before.. you are an inspiration to so many women! I am so proud of you! STAY BLESSED!!!!GLA-COVENTRY-U.K

Anonymous said...

Miss D, your work is awesome. You are truly inspirational.Never did i once doubt this concept would turn into this brilliance.Your creativity & use of color leaves me wanting to see what you have in store next. Keep doing good & for sure greatness will be yours.

Congrats Couz & God's blessings always.

Anonymous said...

That is so true. so proud of you. bisous, Dibs

Anonymous said...

Talent at it's best. Pushing you all the way to the top. You're nearly there!!!

XL