From Algerian born Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring 1967 collection which was a beaded ode to African art, to Spring ’05 Dolce & Gabbana, designers have referenced African textiles, skins, and weaving techniques for their mainly European, American, and Asian customer base. Nina Garcia noted the particular concentration of African influence in last spring’s shows citing Lanvin, Donna Karan and Proenza Schouler’s collections.
But in Africa and its Diaspora, a growing number of designers have been producing their own take on high fashion that’s become popular with the “Afro-politan” set that calls the largest continent their Motherland, even as they call the States, England, France and other far flung dots on the map their home. And last night, the Afro-politan look came to Bryant Park in the This Day/Arise Magazine show featuring the works of African Fashion Collective members Xuly Bet (Mali/Paris), Tiffany Amber (Nigeria), Stoned Cherrie (South Africa), and Momo (Nigeria).
The collective was united in their purpose, but refreshingly diverse in their sartorial expression. Flowing sundresses and caftans took the catwalk as did skinny menswear-inspired silhouettes, full-bleed ROYGBIV color, muted animal prints, and a slinky, maxi-length tee shirt dress printed with President Obama’s smiling face. With the exception of one fussy brown skirt that started smart at the hips only to explode into vertical ruffles from the bum downm the consensus was a closet of chic, regal and worldly looks that reflects the tenor — and woman — of our changing times perfectly.

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>Animal Prints
>Fall 2009 Fashion Week Coverage
[photos by Frazer Harrison, courtesy of Getty Images]