African curators have moved beyond using African fabrics for just fashion and accessories. Now African fabrics are now used to tell stories, used as home decorating ideas, used to beautify recycled waste, and a lot more functionalities.
Here is a list of other items African fabrics can be crafted into to serve several other uses.
- CLUTCH PURSE
Nigerian-owned brand, O’Eclat Designs is popularly known for creating well-designed African handbags and accessories. This clutch purse is one of the masterpieces put together by this brand to compliment ladies dressing. This eccentric African-inspired clutch purse is designed with quality leather and African fabric popularly called “Aso oke” meaning “clothes from the upcountry”. This fabulous clutch purse is very versatile, it can be rocked to any occasion whether a party, wedding, or hangouts. Combining this with your outfit will definitely make you look stunning and edgy because of its uniqueness and elegance.
2). TRADITIONAL DRUMS
This drum is popularly called “Alujo”, meaning drum and dance, it is most commonly played in the western part of Nigeria. If you are familiar with African culture, you will most definitely know that the drum is characterised by calculated steps, shaking waists, jiggering bodies, soulful sounds, melodious tunes, and most especially a loud and exciting environment. When compared to western music, African drums have a more profound metaphorical value. These drums are thought to represent the essence of the community wherever they are found.
They are utilized in the community to commemorate ceremonial occasions and rites. They’re also used as tourist attractions in several African countries, marketing and exhibiting their products. Mimiremi textile, a design and pattern maker skillful and carefully produces this local drum with a combination of Ghanaian African fabric seen beautifully wrapped around it to bring to life the true essence of what African culture represents which is unity in diversity, love, and same interest.
3) TRAVELLING/ DUFFLE BAGS
If you find traveling very interesting or you have a busy work schedule that puts you on the road more often, then this wonderful African-inspired traveling bag is a must-have. Ethnik, the fashion brand behind this elegant and gorgeous travelers bag, created this piece from beautiful Ankara fabric with well-textured leather material, having two side pockets, easy to carry about, comfortable, and convenient, Suitable to carry to places like beach parties, long-distance trips, and vacations. It is made of cotton and very durable.
4) THROW PILLOWS
African craft has moved from using fabrics for just fashion wears to using them for home upholstery as well. African fabrics are now being used as decorative pieces even in public spaces such as hotels, banking halls, conference centers, eateries, and a lot more public centers. Bosh Design, a Nigerian creative brand, uses nice African fabric to make throw pillows, making a space look more edgy, aesthetic, and functional. This brand creates its designs on these pillows telling great African stories, cultures, and traditions. Since African fabric is characterized by bright and vibrant colors, then using it to make throw pillows will not only brighten up a space but will also give your space a personality of its own.
5) TABLE/ FLOOR LAMPS
You would agree with me that using fabrics as an accent in your home or any space not only makes the space attractive and organized but also provides warmth, personality, and a high feeling. MitiMeth, a lifestyle and waste transformation brand in Africa, skillfully creates exotic and exclusive vintage table lamps that speak to the tribal customs of Africa. The perfect combination of a table lamp to a home or office as decoration will bring appeal and beauty to that environment because of the subtle design and aesthetics using woven natural fibers with water hyacinth and agricultural subsidies. It is the ideal finishing touch for any type of interior.
6) TISSUE BOX;
There are so many ways fabrics can compliment craft, and a tissue box is one. No one wants a littered house with tissues, this could be very discomforting. More reasons Mitimeth embarked on the journey to help salvage this situation. The tissue box is handmade from woven water hyacinth and batik fabric, made of different sizes and shapes and different colors and designs. This product creates a unique accent for your homes, cars, and offices.
7). ACCESSORIES
Accessories are unquestionably the underlying tone that validates the proclamation of one’s style. They are influential and vital to every fashion mood. It’s about taking a step out of the ordinary and defining yourself as you see fit. Accessories will always be that extra spark that brings one’s ensemble tale to life. African print accessories are perfect addition to your wardrobe, Designers like Mitimeth have created handcrafted items that combine design, quality, and substance.
This African luxury designer’s commitment to quality has led him to create timeless items made from genuine coconut shells and water hyacinth and repurposed materials. Her creations not only tell a cultural story but also uphold a high level of craftsmanship. When choosing an accessory, only a high quality of value should be accepted. It’s the one thing that, like magic, can transform a dull look into something exciting. It’s a talking point, it’s what gives you that double-back look, and it’s your personal touch. The accessories you choose to wear and how you choose to wear them determine your finest look. Accessorize in a variety of ways, from bold to demure. Classic to chic, all focused on a statement on your dressing.
African designers and craft makers now have diversified into using fabrics to create multiple products that are functional for the home, offices, hospitals, recreations, etc. These fabrics are upcycled and repurposed into more useful items such as book covers, dining wares, pen holders, chairs, stools, etc.
Creatives in the design and craft world have helped pave way for African products in the global markets as exhibitions and trade fairs are being held to showcase the rich culture and heritage of African-owned products internationally.
