adminHello there folks how are you doing this week?
Say good-bye to skinny jeans and mini-skirts (literally), and enbrace the spirit of the “Ankara” or Maxi Skirt.
Maxi skirts, as we all know, are not only one of the most comfortable, flattering, and forgiving items of clothing to wear, but they’re also surprisingly versatile too. They’re easy to add layers over as well as hide layers under, making them the perfect must-have piece for every season winter to summer, where some days are super chilly and others are still warmed by the summer sun.
This alone makes the Ankara skirt/dress the favourite pieces to wear in Africa.
I am so glad to see our Mutare Shops getting into the Ankara fashion (actually since 2014). So if you do not own one of these pieces, please get one or two this summer, you cannot claim to be in fashion this summer if you do not have at least one.
if you love African prints or Ankara, you will lust over African prints Maxi skirts – you can style in many ways – whether with a tee, tank, blouse, layering and a suitable accessories. From dressed up fancy to a little bit funky, work appropriate to playful weekend ensembles, the Ankara works well.
I was out and about this week visiting the different shops who are showcasing the Ankara skirt, I found some really pretty pieces. I even took a picture of beautiful Sharon who runs a small boutique opposite a bank in town. She wore the Ankara skirt perfectly matched with a simple Top and shoes. I also asked Sharon about her thoughts on the Ankara and this is what she had to say:
Sharon what are your thoughts on the Ankara skirt or Maxi skirt fashion?
The skirts are selling very well, possibly because they fit every body shape and the price is affordable. They turn out even cheaper
Can African Designers locally make a living out of these designs?
Yes because it is a part of our Culture, the outfits are respectable and can be worn smart or casual. They are made from African material and are of African print, so they represent who we are well. Even the designs are simple, so they are easy to make and produce. Also there is a ready market.
Is the material available locally?
Currently people are buying the material and the ready made outfits from places like Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria etc, and they are selling fast. If our country could start manufacturing the material locally, our local designers could come up with the same or better designs for our market, which would be cheaper for us to buy. It would also mean we could export to other countries which would bring in more foreign currency into our nation and provide more jobs.
Sharon what can you say to our local designers?
I think they can do these designs from the material prints to the finished articles. We shops would prefer to purchase outfits from our own country or city if they were of high standard and quality, just like the ones we buy from other counties. In fact many people are now buying the material and getting local dressmakers to make the skirts for them. So this means that there is a market for these things, so we would very much sell them in our shops if designers started to make these.
Well that’s it from me this week, remember to get yourself an Ankara or two this week. For men I shall be showcasing the equivalent next week, so look out for that. Until then God bless.
Just a note from Fashion & Beauty Column- There is a fine line between showcasing ensemble’s (fashion outfits) from our local shops and advertising the shops. Advertising comes with a cost, so it is impossible for me to showcase fashion from one specific shop, unless the shop owner is willing to pay advertising.
Anastasia is an ex Photographic Model, a Blogger (annruthenburg.blogspot.com) , a writer, and a Fashionista and can be messaged on 0772 933 845 or emailed at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>.
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