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African Batik Print Jumpsuit, H & M African Print Dress, LaissezPasser, LaissezPasser African Print Jumpsuits
At Berlin Fashion Week S/S 13, I was very happy to see these two ladies wearing African inspired pieces.
I absolutely adored this lady’s African batik print jumpsuit-
I was very interested to learn that a brand called LaissezPasser, was behind this jumpsuit. Laissez Passer are a New York based label, co-founded in 2009 by Lydia Holness and Nina Broeer. Lydia, of Jamaican and Canadian origins and Nina from Germany, the two met in Fort Greene, Brooklyn where they both live.
This eye-catching one-piece is one of the 9 jumpsuits that make up their Spring/Summer 2012 collection. Each of the jumpsuits come in assorted Senegalese fabrics, and are limited editions.
S/S 12 Collection, Courtesy of Boldberlin.com
Not only do I love this collection and the inspiration behind it, I love how this brand came about. It has always been my dream to have a good friend who shared my interest in fashion, and most particularly African and African inspired fashion, who I can start a business with.
I saw the next lady as I was waiting for the bus to leave Mercedes Benz Fashion Week-
The dress is from H & M, and I am always fond of seeing the giant high street stores sell African- inspired pieces like this because it highlights the fact that African and African-inspired pieces have great commercial viability.
After the shows, I excitedly told a friend about these Afrocentric trend spottings and he replied that he didn’t think he could pull of the trend. And I told him that the trick to pulling of the Afrocentric trend is not to wear it from head to toe.
Case in point, the first lady added a casual, downtown New York vibe to her statement African print jumpsuit by pairing it with a denim jacket and a vintage leather bag.
The H & M creation goes a step further by ‘showing both sides of the coin’, i.e by using 2 contrasting prints- one African and the other floral, the design cleverly melds both the African and Western aesthetic.
So readers is this a trend you would wear? If so, how would you wear it?
I love it! If I could I would wear African print to work.
Haha!African-inspired corporate suits- that will be the day!
Love it!!! I’d love to make some African inspired pieces, if I can get the fabrics. I’m also thinking of doing some Finnish inspired pieces using Marimekko fabric (Finnish fabric/textile designer).
Do it baby! Like I said, there is money to be made here!
Love this post. Its good to see African prints going global.
AJ
Isn’t it just AJ? I hope to see more women flying this flag and more importantly when I ask who the designer is; as well as hearing the international giants, I would love to hear some home-grown designer names too…
The H & M dress is actually Marni for H & M which shows that even the high end designers are using African print more readily particulary in their spring summer ranges. Take a look at Burberry Prorsum range or just google images Burberry to see what I mean.
The advantage that the high end designers have is that they will use African inspired print on luxury fabric. I wish I could get my hands on some African print in a material other than cotton. I would take a truck load to a tailor and have a field day. It’s a shame I never see prints in Satin or silk or anything other than cotton.
Great point, and it’s something I have often addressed- why is it with African fashion made by African designers, it seems there are only 2 camps- the batik print casual pieces or the uber designs that try to go down the couture road. Who makes the African version of Zara I(i.e trendy formal) for Zara prices? Why are there not more designers experimenting with more fabrics, for HIGH STREET PRICES. I stress the latter as yes designers like Jewel by Lisa have a diffusion line with more affordable prices, but there needs to be more of such lines on the market…
I have the same question eith some friends about the vintage style! They say that I can’t wear a total vintage look, because other persons would never take me serious! They have reaosn, but I think: why not?!?!?! Why Have I to wear what the society wants?! Why not a total african look? Well, so much to think about, but I agree with you! And I wish I could see more designerscreating african inspired clothes!
Dear, I’m so sorry for my bad english, I wanted to write more, but I just can’t. Thank you so much for your comments, wish I love so much because you read, you really read, what I write! THANK YOU!
Kisses,
Cri.
ps.: I’m sorry (again) for my big delay to answer you! My lawyer life take so much from me! I wish I could work full time with fashion!
Cri, thanks so much for stopping by with your lovely comments. And yes, of course when it comes down to it- one can wear wear a total vintage or African look. The only thing is wearing the whole African look can be tricky, some people look great, some look like they walked out of a bad fancy dress party!!
And of course I read. reeeead your blog, I love the issues you bring up and the mix of great pics and written content. Keep it up! X
Bad fancy dress party… hahahahahahaha You got the point!!!! This is true!!! I’ve seen so many strange things! lol Well, I’m sure that you would never look like that! Coming here in your blog and looking at amazing outfits makes me to want more prints to me! Thank you!!!!
Kisseeeeeeeees.