*Africa Fashion* at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2 July 2022 – 16 April 2023.

Written by Ema Kojić

Copy Edited by Chloë Rain

Photo Edited by Julia Borges

Recently, African fashion has received its well-deserved spotlight at the Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington, London. The Africa Fashion Exhibit will be on display until April 16th 2023. The exhibit displays African music, art, photography, and fashion from the mid-20th Century to the modern day, as 45 designers from over 20 countries are featured in the V&A Museum, exploring the creativity and diversity of African fashion through photography, music, textiles, and the arts.

'The Trench' designed by Maison ArtC, Morocco, 2021. Image courtesy @M.A.Roock, model Abdul.

Different cloths and materials from differing African countries and cultures are celebrated in the exhibit. The rich colors, patterns, and contrasts in the cloths and materials in the exhibit depict the artistry behind African cultures, clothing, and fashion over decades of work.

The photographs in the exhibit are bold and beautifully shot. This image by Nabil Zorkot captures a young African woman modeling a skirt and matching suit jacket with a bustier top underneath. This look was designed by the iconic designer Chris Seydou. A designer from Mali, Seydou was a major designer in the late 20th Century. His works were integral to the furthering of African designs on a global fashion stage at a time when they were largely unknown. Seydou used traditional fabrics from Mali. The jewelry in this photo is large, yet delicate. The patterns on this outfit are reminiscent of Malian cultural patterns and boldness.

The background of this image is full of out-of-focus natural settings that allow the viewer’s eyes to subconsciously focus on the model. Seydou passed away in 1994 - his designs now evoke a sense of nostalgia amongst those who recognize his important role in promoting Africa in the exclusive world of fashion.

Aso Lànkí, Kí Ató Ki Ènìyàn
(‘We greet dress before we greet its wearer’) collection, Lagos, Nigeria, 2021.
Lagos Space Programme. Photo: © Kadara Enyesai

This image is from the Aso Lànkí, Kí Ató Ki Ènìyàn collection (We greet the dress before we greet its wearer). It was taken in Lagos, Nigeria in 2021 by Kadara Enyeasi. The gorgeous shimmer of the royal blue vibrance of this outfit is captured beautifully by Enyeasi. Gold jewelry seen on the model also hits the light perfectly in this photograph, as their radiance pulls your eye.

Kofi Ansah 'Indigo' Couture 1997 - Narh & Linda - Photo © 1997 Eric Don- Arthur _ www.EricDonArthur.com _MG_8656-3

This image from the V&A African Fashion exhibit is from the Kofi Ansah “Indigo” Couture collection of 1997. Featuring Narh and Linda, photographed by Eric Don-Arthur. These two models wore patterned, matching designs by Kofi Ansah. The contrast of the indigo shades patterned against the white matching ensemble and the fierce poses represent the African cultures and clothing.

Self-portrait, Gouled Ahmed, Addis Foam, Ethiopia

This last image depicts the photographer Gouled Ahmed in a self-portrait from Ethiopia. The elaborate headpiece, jewelry, and costume worn in this image aren’t muted by the lack of color. Details of this traditional costume are able to be seen, even in black and white. Ahmed’s stare into the lens of the camera makes the image feel like a moment captured in time.

A natural sense of allure is brought alive in this exhibit. African cultures and colors are all harmoniously celebrated and represented beautifully.

This exhibit is open to the public until April 16th 2023.