HELEN JENNINGS
Growing up in an African household and having a mother who was very interested in fashion meant that I grew up with a love for African fabrics, scarf and head ties. To me African fashion is inspiring because of its interesting use of fabrics, vibrant colours and prints. In recent years we have seen African fashion designers becoming more and more mainstream. Western designers have also been taking influence from African fabrics and costume in their collections. Last year we saw turbans re-emerge and many celebrities have been seen in clothes made from Ankara fabric.
Helen Jennings is Editor of Arise Magazine and a prominent journalist. Her new book documents the different facets that make up African Fashion today and Lanky Girl was lucky enough to receive a copy. The book is testament to Jennings hard work and research. It features some of my favourite Nigerian designers such as Duro Olowu, Jewel by Lisa and Ghanian Ozwald Boateng. Its also has chapters showing the work of African photographers and prominent models. I especially enjoyed the chapter showing how Paul Smith was influenced in his 2009 collection by Congolese Dandies. Helen also tackles why African fashion is having its moment in the sun.
This book is for everyone who loves fashion and who would like to broaden their knowledge from a African Perspective.
