Arts And Entertainment
Symbols and Color in African Clothing
Africa is a continent rich with diverse languages and people groups.?The clothing styles of many African countries have a rich history going back thousands of years.?These days you can see African-Americans choosing to enhance their style and celebrate their heritage by donning these garments. The designs of the clothes are one reflection of African culture, but the colors and symbols that decorate them are also important to understand.
African clothes that are made of the combined colors of red, gold and green represent the colors of the stripes of the Ethiopian flag. Also, black, green and gold combinations represent the colors of the African National Congress’ flag. Kente cloth is known for its brilliant colors and designs and this cloth is frequently seen as a symbol of the African continent.
The Fulani women wear bright flowing robe-like garments and gold hoop earrings to mark their style and their region. In each region of Africa, the style and colors of garments are a reflection of whom you are and where you are from.?For instance, in certain parts of Nigeria, red is seen as a threatening color which can only be worn by chiefs. The color is believed to keep evil away. In other regions, red is the color of achievement or success. Adinkra cloth is worn typically at funerals and farewells. Dark colored adinkra cloth in brick red, brown or black symbolizes death. Alternately, bright colored adinkra cloth in white, yellow or blue is worn for festive or happy occasions. Adinkra cloth is still very popular in Ghana today.
Kente cloth made by the Fante of Ghana has many different designs and colors with various meanings. Red is the symbol of bloodshed and is frequently worn for political meetings and rallies. Green represents fertility and you can see it worn often during a young girl’s adolescence. White symbolizes purity or victory. Yellow represents maturity or glory and chiefs frequently wear this color. Blue symbolizes love, and black represents aging.
Knowing the symbolic meanings of color and design in African clothing helps one to have a greater sense of the culture and the rich history of the African styles that one can find today. Whatever your ethnic heritage may be, you can find an African style that reflects your identity and your good taste too. There are a lot of choices, but the variety and the quality are there for you, so enjoy.
By: Shayla Williams
Ladies Spring 2011 Shoe Trend Forecast
When it comes to shoe trends we like to stay informed and we’re already looking past this season’s buckled and laced boots to see how things will develop for the spring. You can never think too far ahead regarding foot fashion so read on and see how you can put your best foot forward in style during spring 2011.
Kitten heels
Kitten heels are not the most flattering of styles but they are set to offer our poor feet a rest from the gorgeous yet impractical heels that we have become accustomed to over the last few months. It’s true that higher heels lengthen the leg and can contribute to a slimmer silhouette but there are ways to wear kitten heels and retain some of the glamour provided by their higher cousins. We suggest going for a minimalist style this spring, always with a pointed toe and paired with clothing that is inspired by the 50s and 60s. If you follow these guidelines you will find that the kitten heel can be a sophisticated and more comfortable alternative to the much loved high heel.
Clogs
Another rather dubious trend this spring comes in the form of heeled clogs. Clogs may not be a first choice for comfort but don’t dismiss this trend, it is on it’s way, like it or not! If you like your heels and are looking for something fresh to replace your trusty high pumps then some of the new style quirky clogs may well be for you. If you are reluctant to embrace the clog trend then there will be shoes on the market that give a style nod to clogs, such as studs. These can keep you looking current without the fear of inspiring images of tulips and windmills wherever you go.
Flat sandals
Flat sandals will of course return this spring and summer and we can’t wait to get our hands on some of the new styles. Pretty sandals can really finish an outfit and provide some femininity and sparkle, we love indulging this side of our fashion personas! There will also be a range of more minimal, neutral sandals to choose from next year, including ankle cuffed versions which provide a cool alternative to recently favoured gladiator styles. The best piece of basic sandal advice that we have for you is to match simple designs with fussier clothing and keep those with details, such as embellishment, for your plainer maxi dresses, shorts and jeans.
Multi-coloured
We are already starting to see some of the cheerful multi-coloured shoe styles spill from catwalk to high street this season and this is set to continue in 2011. We love these bright and funky designs and the girls in the office have been investing in some multi-coloured footwear to see us through an optimistic spring and summer. Our favourite thing about multi-colour shoes is how much fun you can have matching a different colour with an item of clothing in your outfit each day!
By: Suzy O'Connor