The assemblage of designs on the fabric they use may appear random, yet they produce the ultimate living sensation. Contemporary designs of Ankara fabrics are dominated by graphic lines and clustered ornaments, with each individual design holding a remarkable treasure of its own, arousing your curiosity with extraordinary impressions.
Modern Ankara styles are funky, a collection of contrasts, with edgy street wear influences reinterpreted through a lens of pure glamour. Foremost Ankara maker, Vlisco, has just launched its new Funky Grooves collection, which draws from the company’s rich design heritage, and was inspired by global urban culture and couture craftsmanship. The collection of fashion fabrics includes wax-prints and luxury editions, and there is a matching line of bags and accessories.
Atinuke Smith of Datina Designs says fashion should be classy, eclectic and comfortable which are prominent features she looks out for when making a choice of fabric. “My corporate outfits are designed for a specific occasion or certain category. By category I mean the ‘working class’. My designs stand out because it gives women a cosmopolitan, exotic and timeless look. It is a ready wear for the entrepreneur and career woman. The fabrics I use in my formal gears range across cotton, lycra, ankara, and other like materials. All designs are available in all sizes.”
Adaeze Alilonu, Channel Activation Manager,Vlisco says good Ankara designs breathes artisan glamour. “Our Funky Groove collection is a testimony to the change that has come to the making of Ankara. It features clusters of models photographed against a fierce factory setting, showing off moulage fashions made with Funky Grooves fabrics.
Ankara manufacturers and fashion designers have found an answer to yearnings of lovers of eclectic African wax print in what they tagged street couture, an interplay of beautiful designs and colours.
“Colour is powerful,” adds Alilonu. “Colours are fraught with symbolism, and cultural influences. There is also a physiological affect when colour is applied. The Funky Groove collection is yet another expression of our aim of incorporating various surprising elements from around the world into our designs. The Funky Grooves collection is a melting pot of ideas, using new colours to update our heritage designs, and classic techniques to create the latest looks.”
Raw, geometric lines, traditional wrap shapes, bold metallic studs and edgy industrial hues are some of the feature of the urban Ankara design. All these come together to create a truly modern vibe that adorn the image of the wearer. Latest colours range from earthy browns, brassy golds and bronzes, to brick reds and shocking pinks, and fresh acid blues and greens.
Smith says casual range are more trendy and smart, when they are made with Ankara or any African print for, comfort and relaxation. “They are funky, dressy, elegant and come in materials like Ankara, cotton, linen, combined with corduroy , chiffon, lycra, and silk.
“Today’s ethnic range are designed to express particular tribal backgrounds and uniqueness. Although they are regular clothes with special styles, my ethnic designs are still very ingenious, fresh, versatile and very edgy. The fabrics I use in our ethnic gears range mostly from African fabrics like Ankara, Voile, Adire, and other materials,” she explains.
Wax print luxury edition line features exclusive details, such as brass studs, shimmering gold Lurex thread, metallic sequins, sparkly Swarovski crystals and intricate broderie anglaise embroidery which makes them truly urban.