White Gold:Tracing Cotton and Fashion in Africa
US cotton Subsidies which began in 2001 have had a huge impact on world prices for cotton in Africa, particularly Mali. This has led to a decline in cotton farming for a country that is dependent on cotton production for growing subsistence crops (food) and social services like schools and housing. This is the story of how African fashion entrepreneurs could bring new life to Mali’s dying cotton production.
Mali is one of the largest countries in Africa and also one of the poorest countries in the World. Half the population lives below the international poverty line and a third of the population depend on cotton to survive.
This is the story of how African fashion entrepreneurs could bring new life to Mali’s dying cotton industry.The report starts and ends in South Africa at Joburg Fashion week, which just passed. The South African designers show the potential for emerging designers to add value to cotton through the expansion of the cultural legacy in cloth making,dying, and weaving. Also included in the video is the tension around the lack of infrastructure in energy and technology which further puts limits on development of textile industry.
I believe this is the most appropriate time for a feature like this as South Africa is currently at the center of attention for the world due to the World Cup tournament being hosted there.
Video by Amanda Martinez, Featured in this video is talented South African designer Machere
-Romola
‘Womanhood to its Origins of Tenderness’- Thula Sindi at 2010 Africa Fashion Week
Posted on Monday, July 5th, 2010 at 10:17 AMBy Ijeoma Ndekwu
The Thula Sindi collection embraced feminine cuts and exuded sophisticated elegance. From the tailored pants to the pencil skirts and also the classic 1950’s swing skirts. It is woman friendly; soft fabrics, delicate details and made to flatter every curve!
He presented vastly varied styles in this collection, from the glamorous floor length dresses, either in bold animal print or mixed prints which he combines with sexy thigh high slits, vintage lace or a rise and fall hemline to his individual take on cargo jackets and skirts.
All the pieces in this collection are very wearable, that’s what I really like, they can go straight from the runway to someones closet. The cocktail dresses are easily my favourite, the girly frill details, the colours and prints, the waist enhancing cinched waists, sequins, lace inserts, cut-out sleeves, all thoroughly executed with exquisite finishing!
View collection below:
>via: http://www.bellanaija.com/2010/07/05/womanhood-to-its-origins-of-tenderness-thula-sindi-at-2010-africa-fashion-week/