Art/Fashion: Yinka Shonibare's "Rich Little Girls"

"Rich Little Girls" by Yinka Shonibare 

Commenting on his display at Trafalgar Square earlier this year, Yinka Shonibare said: "People have come to associate the fabric with Africa, but actually it is Indonesian-influenced fabric produced by the Dutch for sales to the African market. It was made in Hyde...and I buy it in Brixton market. I like the fact that something seen as being African is actually the product of quite complex cultural relationships." 

Rich Little Girls, his specially commissioned display as part of Aware: Art Fashion Identity at London's Royal Academy, explores that complexity in Shonibare's masterful juxtaposition of the Victorian and the "African". But it's seldom that simple with art. Whatever one makes of it, it's thrilling to see commonplace ankara transformed yet again as part of a larger narrative/installation on race and culture. It's interesting that clothes, if we pay closer attention to them, are usually more than just clothes - their threads could very well be griots binding the Netherlands, Indonesia and much of Africa in a historical triangle of sorts. For Rich Little Girls, it's fashion, it's art, it's culture/race, and it's "African". Or is it?

The exhibition ends on Jan. 30, 2011.

XO

Source: T Magazine

Pimp My African Print: Of Collar Necklaces

We love a little multi-purpose accessory and this collar necklace is one of such. If you're looking to spruce up your plain tees or dresses, this inexpensive and functional accessory is a good start. Sold? Get yours here for $24.

XO

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 Our "Pimp My African Print" feature takes a closer look at the versatility and multi-purpose uses of African Print. Think of it as a mini e-museum filled with African Print treasures :-)

Pimp My African Print: Of Fans

On this edition of "Pimp My African Print", we focus on an ubiquitous summer accessory that makes its rounds at virtually every wedding in Nigeria and beyond - the hand fan! What a chic statement and a clever idea, especially when revamped with vibrant print. Loving it? Get yours here and see more here.

Is there anything that's immune to being printified?!

XO

pimp my african print: of furniture

this edition of "pimp my african print" focuses on the binta arm chair produced by italian company, moroso. we bet the average african who wears african print doesn't realize the impact it's having the world over, including in the interior design industry.

so, what do we think of these arm chairs? a welcome innovation or 'nice try but no, thanks!'? practical or meant for a museum somewhere?

xo

pimp my african print: of christmas

loveeeee ituen basi's pimped out christmas tree! is there nothing african print can't transform? oh, and while we're celebrating ituen basi, don't you just love her african print/ankara bows?

wear them as brooches, clip them in your hair and look oh-so-fly whatever you decide to do! get yours here.

remember, african print shouldn't everrrr be boring! pimp it, pimp it, PIMP ITTTTT! lol.

xo

sources:

myasho

facebook

pimp my african print: of cards and bows

okay, guys! we have a new feature called "pimp my african print", lol. we all know that african print (especially ankara) has been at the frontline of the explosion in Africa's fashion industry, and while we sometimes get inundated with uninspired ankara pieces, there are tonnes of folks out there doing interesting things with african print. and we're making it our job to showcase them and inspire you! without further ado, here's our first installment of "pimp my african print" :-)

enjoy!

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these african print-inspired blank cards are the perfect way to pass thoughtful notes and sentiments around. they're unique, they're bright, and they're bound to be cherished.

get a pack of 5 here.

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we're also loving this extra large kente bow by one of our favorite etsy sellers, nakimuli. it really is up to you and your imagination to pin it wherever - and however - you like! get yours here.

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...and there you have it! you'll have to keep coming back to see our findings...we can't give them all away in the first post ;-)

thanks for reading - and buying!

xo