MUSTERED LADY: THE BEAUTY OF AFRICAN PRINT … Ankara

THE BEAUTY OF AFRICAN PRINT

Have you ever wondered about the new global spark Ankara is making. Yes the same old N9ja (Nigeria) Ankara. Once at the back and not feted on the streets of Africa by the noble, Ankara is now widely the preferred choice and a next-must-have fashion piece in New York, London, Paris, Lagos and all part of the world by the rich and popular.

Ankara has comfortably settled into the fashion arena. Regarded as trendy, comfortable and beautiful, Ankara’s elegance now stands alongside major and expensive cloth line being rocked by celebrities of different sorts and class.

THE BEAUTY OF AFRICAN PRINT

THE BEAUTY OF AFRICAN PRINT – An lady donning a combination of a head-tie, a brooch and a handbag, all designed with an Ankara print fabric

Beyonce in 2-piece ankara shorts

But Ankara did not just pass the fashion mark with an easy smack of the fingers. I think its magic transformation was helped by creative Nigeria fashion designers and then recognized and adopted globally by top international designers. Its vibrant patterns of rich colour and designs easily associates the fabric with African heritage and inspiration. But I am surprised, that our dearly beloved ankaras’ originality has nothing to do with Africa or Nigeria. I guess you are also surprised if you are Nigerian as well.

An Ankara Print Dress

It is believed that Ankara was printed in Holland as a cheap imitation of Indonesian batik by the Dutch textile manufacturers for the Indonesian market but it was rejected by Indonesians. Africa was the next point of call. the Dutch merchants penetrated Ghana first and onward to other parts of Africa in the early 19th century and succeeded. Some changes in designs and motif was made to suite the African culture.

A cheaper version of the Dutch wax produced in Turkey whose capital is ‘Ankara’, you now get the twist was exported to the African market. It was at the reach of the masses and underprivileged majorly in Nigeria. It was considered indigenous because of its lively colours and decorations. But there is another belief that the ankara is named after a girl called Ankara. After independence, the dutch wax became recognized as African print. So, here we are with Ankara.

An Ankara Print Dress With A Matching Umbrella

Despite its historical links, when you think or see Ankara, you picture Africa, Nigeria precisely because whether its cheap or expensive, Nigerians love Ankara for ceremonies and aseobies.

An Ankara Print Dress

Now ankara has passed the phase of mere celebrations with ordinary shirts or iro and buba to trendy and gorgeous ankara clothes, shoes, head wears, accessories, bags, slippers, furniture and every stylish item for fashionisters.