January 8, 2019 - Events

Kitenge Proudly Represents Tanzania at Bristol Museum’s Fabric Africa Fashion Show

Happy Kitenge Store customers browsing our modern African print clothing at Bristol Museum's Fabric Africa fashion show event

On Wednesday 17th October, Kitenge proudly represented Tanzania and promoted the African textile industry at Bristol Museum’s Fabric Africa Fashion Show.

The event, which coincided with the museum’s Fabric Africa exhibition, celebrated African textiles and culture. One hundred lucky members of the public attended the fabulous free ‘Black History Month’ event.

 

Fabric Africa exhibition poster at Bristol Museum

 

The event was hosted by the hugely entertaining Vanessa Kisuule and was opened by the Lord Mayor of Bristol, Green Party Cllr Cleo Lake, who visited our stall and met our founder, Sian. It was an absolute pleasure to meet her and hear how she supports talented up and coming fashion designers in West Africa.

 

Kitenge founder Sian wearing an African print dress standing with the Lord Mayor of Bristol Green Party Cllr Cleo Lake at Fabric Africa Fashion Show at Bristol Museum

 

Kitenge’s Founder, Sian, with the Lord Mayor of Bristol, Cllr Cleo Lake

Guests treated to a History of African Print Clothing on the day

Before the fashion show began guest speaker Jacqueline Shaw, founder of Africa Fashion Guide, explained about the history of African print fabric and raised awareness of the numerous traditional African textiles such as kente from Ghana, mud cloth from Mali and kanga from Tanzania; just some of the textiles used to make today’s African print dresses and skirts.

Then the event that everyone had been waiting for the fashion show, which supported mainly local designers of African heritage including: Grace Ekall, SLG Designs, Corrine Willis Couture and Panashe. Each unique design was mesmerizing particularly against the backdrop of such an impressive building.

Kitenge put on a bold and bright display of African womenswear and African menswear

Showcasing a range of African print skirts, perfect no matter the occasion

Kitenge showcased eight colourful looks including a ‘his and hers’ matching outfit in the same unique African wax print! The men’s shirt was paired with black jeans and trainers while the African print skirt was beautifully styled with a black bandeau top, a denim jacket, black high heels and a matching beaded necklace displaying how versatile African print clothing can be for any occasion.

 

Matching kitenge his and hers African print skirt and shirt worn by models at the Fabric Africa Fashion Show at Bristol Museum

 

Matching Kitenge Men’s Short Sleeve Shirt & Women’s Maxi Skirt (credit: Barbara Evripidou)

Our popular Red African Print Pencil Skirt also graced the catwalk and received lots of love! Flattering African print skirts such as this look great with a tight plain coloured top tucked inside the waistband. Don’t forget to accessorise with bold statement jewellery and footwear to suit the occasion!

 

Women's red African print pencil skirt worn by a model at the Fabric Africa Fashion Show at Bristol Museum

 

Kitenge Women’s Red African Print Pencil Skirt (credit: Barbara Evripidou)

Displaying ways to style versatile and modern African print women’s clothing

Next up was one of our beautifully tailored African print tops worn simply with skinny jeans, strappy heels and a black beaded bracelet to match. This versatile look can easily be worn to work, casually or to social events.

 

Women's yellow floral African print top worn by a model on the catwalk at the Fabric Africa fashion show at Bristol Museum

 

Kitenge Women’s Yellow African Print Top (credit: Barbara Evripidou)

Our bold and vibrant Brown African print trousers wowed the crowds with a simple black, lace off the shoulder top and high heels. Our quirky unisex trousers are extremely comfortable and make great travel and lounge wear for a more casual look.

 

Unisex brown African print trousers/pants worn by a model on the Fabric Africa catwalk at Bristol Museum

 

Kitenge Unisex Brown African Print Trousers/Pants (credit: Barbara Evripidou)

Last but not least were our fashionable women’s African print dresses featuring the Yellow African Print Flare Dress and Gold African Print Pencil Dress. We loved the amount of sass on the catwalk particularly in this video!

 

 

 

Women's gold African print pencil dress worn by a South African model at the Fabric Africa Fashion Show by Bristol Museum

 

Women's gold African print pencil dress model wearing close up image on the Fabric Africa catwalk at Bristol Museum

 

Kitenge Women’s Gold African Print Pencil Dress (credit: Barbara Evripidou)

Showing our Men’s vibrant African print clothing collection

We didn’t want to leave out the men so closed the show with our best selling Green Floral African Print Long Sleeve Shirt. Our African menswear collection has gone from strength to strength since it first launched in 2015 following our successful women’s African print clothing collection in 2014.

 

Men's green floral African print long sleeve shirt worn by model on the catwalk at the Fabric Africa Fashion Show at Bristol museum

 

Kitenge Men’s Green African Print Long Sleeve Shirt (credit: Barbara Evripidou)

An electric atmosphere and a great day for all the guests at the fashion show

The atmosphere was incredible and there was such a buzz after our fashion show had ended. We were so grateful to receive such great feedback and support from so many of the visitors.

 

 

After the fantastic fashion show finished guests enjoyed listening to Afrobeats by Dee J Neyo, browsed the stalls and exhibition. They were keen to support the African textile industry now that they had a better understanding about it. It was great that they were asking if our fabric was original and where it comes from.

 

Kitenge Store founder Sian standing in front of the stall and rail of colourful African print clothing at the Fabric Africa fashion show organised by Bristol Museum

 

Kitenge Founder, Sian, standing in front of our stall beside the catwalk (credit: Barbara Evripidou)

 

Happy Kitenge Store customers browsing our modern African print clothing at Bristol Museum's Fabric Africa fashion show event

 

Happy customers browsing Kitenge’s stall after the Fabric Africa Fashion Show (credit: Barbara Evripidou)

Big thanks to Christelle Pellecuer who did a fantastic job curating the fashion show and all the models and back stage crew. Also to Bristol Museum for having us and making us feel so welcome.

Have a look at our stylish, colourful and ethical range of African print clothing for yourself

While you are here why not take a look around our colourful and unique African boutique online. There is currently an end of season sale with up to 50% off all items and free UK delivery so why not grab a bargain! We also ship worldwide.

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