Council for International African Fashion Education’s Post

African clothing and fashion is a diverse topic that provides a look into different African cultures. Clothing varies from brightly colored textiles, to abstractly embroidered robes, to colorful beaded bracelets and necklaces. Since Africa is such a large and diverse continent, traditional clothing differs throughout each country. For example, many countries in West Africa have a distinct regional dress styles that are the products of long-standing textile crafts in weaving, dyeing, and printing, but these traditions are still able to coexist with western styles. A large contrast in African fashion is between rural and urban societies. Urban societies typically are exposed more to trade and the changing world, while it takes more time for new western trends to get to rural areas.

May goodness reflect in everything you did this Ramadan. Wishing you an enlightening Eid, Eid Mubarak 💫 #hoorain #hoorainhtf #hoorainhtfltd #textile #textilemill #woven #weaving #dyeing #fashion #fashionworld #fashiondesign #innovation #creation #bangladesh #bgmea #btma #kingpins #kingpinsnewyork #newyork

I found some very special treasures at Tieris Fashion: Hand-dyed motifs on hand-woven Faso dan Fani. This dyeing technique is called "Kokodunda" and is otherwise mainly used on imported cotton fabrics. I was surprised by the aesthetics and quality of the organic fabrics. Fatimata Ki used GOTS-certified cotton and vegetable dye. The colour is always used for several textile projects, so it is practically recycled until there is really no pigment left. This results in wonderfully delicate designs, quite atypical of the otherwise high-contrast patterns. Contrast is the key word for the interesting mixture of white warp and green weft threads, which result in an iridescent turquoise colour. A similar combination results in an astonishing green-orange fabric. The first purchase for DIALLO tissue tales in 2024 is done! Now it's time to import the fabrics into the EU according to all the rules of trade and customs law - this is another important connection that can be established and expanded between the continents. Because only through exports and industrialised value chains can development and thus prosperity be created. And according to the principles of supply and demand and not those of dependency and neo-colonial structures. #tissuetales #cotonbioduburkinafaso #connectingcultures #tierisfashion

BRAND FEATURE Lilabare believes that clothing is more than just fabric stitched together; it’s a story, a journey, and a commitment to the world we share. Their process isn’t about quick trends or mass production. Instead, it’s a harmonious blend of ancient craft, innovative technology, and conscious choices. Inspired by the rich cultures of India and Kenya, they honour the wisdom of traditional artisans. Each piece is a fusion of ancient techniques and modern design, a true representation of the past and present. The foundation of their clothing lies in the materials they use. They create their signature cotton from rain-fed, handloom naturally grown fibers that embody the spirit of sustainability. These fibres are then transformed through botanical dyes, with each thread carefully crafted as an ode to our love for the earth. With each piece, they redefine what it means to be fashion. Their designs are gender fluid and size-inclusive, celebrating the beauty of diversity and the uniqueness of every individual. Follow us for more updates about creativity in the Fashion industry in Africa #brandfeature #lhaudeafrica #fashionindustry #fashion #africanfashion #creativity #lilbare #africa #brandspotlight #africabrand #kenya #india #kenyafashion #process #processvideo #sustainabilityfashion #madeinkenya #madeinafrica

There’s no shortage of style and talent, but Africa will never realise its potential, say insiders, until it invests in its textile industry. The Guardian #wearemaverick #weliveafrica #africa #africanstories #africanews #africanmarkets #africanbusiness #africaneconomy #africanfashion https://lnkd.in/eHQkK296

May goodness reflect in everything you did this Ramadan. Wishing you an enlightening Eid, Eid Mubarak 💫 #denim #jamunadenimsweaving #jamunadenims #indigo #textile #textilemill #woven #weaving #dyeing #fashion #fashionworld #fashiondesign #innovation #creation #bangladesh #bgmea #btma #kingpins #kingpinsnewyork #newyork

In the midst of economic turbulence and high inflation rates, Nigeria's fashion industry stands out as a beacon of hope and potential. By conserving and leveraging the nation's rich fashion heritage, Nigeria can not only preserve its cultural identity but also harness this sector for significant economic advantage. Here's how today's fashion can be utilized as a strategic economic asset: 1. Promoting Local Craftsmanship. Nigeria’s fashion scene is a tapestry of vibrant colors, unique patterns, and traditional techniques. Conserving these elements can foster a burgeoning local fashion industry. By investing in and promoting traditional craftsmanship—such as beadwork, textile weaving, and dyeing techniques—Nigeria can create jobs, support local artisans, and drive economic growth. These traditional crafts, when modernized and marketed effectively, can attract both local and international consumers. 2. Expanding Export Opportunities. Nigeria’s fashion industry has the potential to become a major player in the global market. By positioning Nigerian fashion as high-quality and unique, designers can tap into international markets. Strategic export policies, participation in global fashion weeks, and partnerships with international retailers can open new revenue streams. This not only boosts the fashion sector but also contributes to the country’s GDP.

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Iran’s export of leather and leather products Tabriz, Mashhad, Isfahan, Hamedan and Tehran are among the well-known cities of the country’s leather sector, and Tabriz, as the leather capital of Iran, is the production pole of this product in the country, and its leather products are world famous. Iran produces 4% of raw sheep and goat skin (raw material for light leather) and 0.5% of raw cow and calf skin (raw material for heavy leather) in the world. The largest production of cowhide in Iran is in the three regions of Tehran, Tabriz and Mashhad. Cowhide leather is mainly used in the preparation of bags, shoes, belts and furniture covers, and light leather is used in the preparation of clothes, gloves and dresses due to its softness. In Iran, some cities are more active in terms of climate, background and access to the facilities of the leather sector. With the progress of processing and tanning, more and more diverse leather products are produced every day, and on the other hand, leather is considered a luxury product in the fashion and clothing industry. In this industry, in addition to quality, the customer is looking for distinction, differentness and fashion. Most of the times when leather and art are combined, unique products are created that can create a lot of value. Today, the countries of Italy, China, India and Turkey are the leaders in the production and export of leather and leather products in the world. Production and export of leather products instead of exporting raw leather can create multiple added value. Iran’s export of leather and leather products Types of leather Leather is divided into two types: natural and synthetic. Natural leather is a durable and high-quality material with high flexibility, which is obtained by tanning the skin of animals such as cows and sheep. Most natural leather is obtained from cow and sheep skin. But the skins of animals such as ostrich, kangaroo, pig, snake, lizard, crocodile and deer are also used to prepare leather. The skin of each animal has a special property. Which leather is better depends on the type of animal, its breed, skin layer and its tanning quality. Artificial leather is made by industrial machines by modeling natural leather, which is produced in three types of light, semi-light and heavy leather. Ostrich leather is one of the types of leather that has a good export. This type of leather is one of the expensive and high-quality types available in the market, which has a special softness and a beautiful and attractive appearance. One of the characteristics of ostrich leather that distinguishes it is its high strength. This leather is six times more durable than cow leather and is softer and thinner than other leathers. European countries are the main buyers of ostrich leather European countries are the main buyers of this type of leather. Iran, having a suitable climate for ostrich breeding, has good capacities to produce various products with this type of

Mitumba has been part of Kenya’s fashion culture for decades. Depending on who you ask, it’s the pocket-friendly option for most, or it’s a treasure hunt experience to find your next best outfit. Though most will agree that mitumba is about the subtle and big joys of finding a good piece in good condition that’s a good fit and a good price. Yet, although mitumba binds us in the joyous tales of unique fashion items and “new” outfits for specific occasions, it also harbours a dark side. At the Dandora Dump Site—notably East Africa’s largest site of this nature—over 3,000 tonnes of solid waste is garnered daily. In this same yard are heaps and mountains of textile waste, and only a fraction of these mitumba items are recycled, which begs the question, what happens to the rest? Answering this requires conversation and observation; it also calls for deep reflection for those living in Nairobi. Understanding African women’s natural connection to the environment, and our unique inclination to mitumba and fashion in general, Sisters in Climate has partnered with Threading Change and Clean Up Kenya to facilitate a visit to the Dandora Dump Site for a group of 10 Nairobi-based African women. This visit will educate on the global challenge of textile waste overproduction and the unethical disposal practices of fast fashion. Register here: https://lnkd.in/d7hEzWTf #SistersinClimate #SlowFashionMovement