Ryan Davy
Jan 22, 2024
How to Keep up With African Wedding Fashion
Weddings all over Africa are vibrant affairs that serve as celebrations of life and times to embrace cultural traditions and customs. Today these weddings look a lot different than in years past, as an exciting evolution is taking place in wedding fashion.
Traditional pieces are being reimagined and reshaped for the modern world. Age-old materials and design elements are being transformed and incorporated in new ways. This results in all kinds of exciting experimental combinations of new and old fashion making today a thrilling time to jump into wedding fashion.
Dashing and Refined: Modern Suits
One way the traditional African wardrobe is being updated for the 21st century is by refining the cut and color palette of traditional pieces. This can be seen in one of the standout pieces of men’s formalwear, the Agbada.
The Agbada is a flowing robe sometimes worn as part of a suit for formal events complete with rich dark hues, and embroidery.
Fashion-forward grooms may now opt for modern tailoring, lighter hues with more modest and tastefully implemented designs and embellishments.
Our 3 piece Agbada wedding suit represents each one of these changes. The suit’s tailored fit allows ease of movement while keeping a polished look. The light pastel blue color is vibrant and refined making it a great choice for grooms looking to make a statement.
Alluring and Elegant: Modern Dresses
When it comes to dresses designers are now seamlessly incorporating more modern cuts and silhouettes into classic dress designs of all kinds. Full length dresses and skirts can still retain traditional materials and patterns, but it’s becoming increasingly more common to now have sleeker, more form fitting silhouettes.
Other designers may experiment with unconventional contrasting color palettes, or mix and match different cultural influences to create a fusion of style.
This rings especially true for wedding dresses. Our very own wedding dress features intricate patterns, and designs in keeping with tradition, while combining those with an off shoulder neckline, a subtle pink hue, and slim contemporary silhouette.
This combination of features can be seen in weddings like that of Nigerian Actress Linda Ejiofor, who wore a stunning structured gown complete with intricate beadwork and other traditional elements at her noteworthy wedding.
Savoring The Past: Traditional Elements
Another way traditional and contemporary elements can be combined is by incorporating traditional fabrics and embellishments into modern pieces.
Kente is a hand woven fabric originating in Ghana that is now used for all kinds of clothing designs like skirts, robes, kaftans, pants and dresses.
When it comes to formal wear this traditional fabric is on full display in our very own Akua Kente Dress.
It features a traditional kente fabric and geometric pattern along with yellow ruffled off shoulder straps, and a fitted bodice that flares out for a refined and dramatic look.
Similarly, Ankara is also known for its bold, colorful prints and striking patterns. Designers are implementing it for wedding dresses and bridal party attire alike. Experimenting with styles like off-the-shoulder gowns, high-low hems, and fitted silhouettes making these dresses exceptional for casual and formal settings alike.
In addition to traditional fabric, classic embellishments are also being incorporated into modern dress designs. Brides might wear dresses adorned with intricate beadwork or embroidery, often transforming the overall aesthetic of a more modern dress to represent both worlds.
Connecting Both Worlds: Combined Outfits
Many couples are also embracing a mix and match approach to their wedding attire by encouraging groomsmen to wear both traditional and modern pieces.
This can result in unique ensembles where, for instance, traditional shirts are paired with modern, tailored pants.
Grooms are opting for the outfits that consist of an embroidered agbada paired with fitted pants, and contemporary shoes like a chic pair of sneakers, again providing a modern twist while retaining a classic aesthetic.
Combining pieces from contemporary and traditional african fashion can be a great way to workshop outfits and express some creativity for any bride or groom, and for those who want to spice up their own wardrobe with modern and classic aesthetics.
At The End of The Day
The decision to wear traditional attire to a wedding depends entirely on the customs and preferences of the hosts. Whether or not they encourage guests to embrace the traditional attire and cultural experience.
You can still pay homage to the cultural aspects of the wedding by incorporating some elements of traditional African wedding fashion into your outfit. The fusion of modern trends and traditional staples represents an exciting cultural evolution. This blend can not only serve as an avenue for self expression, but also a celebration of the beauty and diversity of African culture.
Whether you’re planning your wedding or simply love to keep up with these trends, follow Obioma for the latest inspiration and designs that bring together the past and the present. What are your thoughts on the fusion of modern and traditional styles in African Wedding fashion? What have you seen? What would you like to see next? Let us know below!
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Sources:
https://fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu/dashiki/
https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object/nmah_373625
https://nkitidesigns.com/blogs/stories/history-of-the-african-dashiki-clothing?srsltid=AfmBOoomp8VhNbGvP3CONLolNiXPHqiUAsP4v04H_4eBYzYEvmkf7gyo