Africa in Fashion

Book excerpt: Africa Fashion explores the kaleidoscope of craft cultures that have shaped African fashion for centuries and captures the intriguing stories of pioneering and contemporary African brands. Part One retells the history of African fashion, exploring Africa's textile traditions, artisanship in jewelry and embellishment and the continent's role as a global resource. The second part presents a New Africa and examines the promise and potential of Africa's markets, while challenging stereotypes and the concept of European hegemony in the realm of luxury fashion. It also spotlights Africa's unique position as the global industry shifts towards a more sustainable future. The third and final part ushers the reader into the spectacular world of African fashion today. It showcases a carefully curated set of the continent's most dynamic brands and, through interviews with prominent and inspiring designers, offers rare insight into their ethos and design practice.