Ankara Skirt

I'm not really the pencil skirt type but the night before my girl's engagement party a few weeks ago I realised I didn't have enough time to finish the dress I'd already began making and promptly turned it into a skirt. It was so horribly finished and it ripped midway through the night but I didn't wana throw it out because I know she went all the way to Nigeria to pick out Ankara for all of her nearest and dearest to wear. I added some bustle-y, peplum-ey bits to make it less grandma and more Giambattista Valli and I have to say I'm freaking in LOVE with it!
My family's African but we've never been big on the ankara thing and I only realised it's versatility when Cacharel did an entire collection using it (S/S 05 - styled very Mexican, with Frida Kahlo-esque hair accessories). Although a few people are using it now like Box Kitten and Y' Oh, Ankara's been around for a looooong time, it's a, colourful, low-maintenance batik-printed, cotton fabric that's easy to sew and can be worn any which way you choose!
every time I wear this skirt I'll be reminded of the intricacies of traditional Nigerian nuptials (and all the little ceremonies that go with) and every time I hear the song below I'll remember ndombolo-ing to the ground (I LOL'd so hard as I typed that) on my girlfriend's hen-night!
ps. the day after the engagement ceremony was the actual wedding which just so happened to be my sister's 16th, so I planned to stay until she cut her cake then I was gonna hop over to the reception and get down with the newlyweds (in a dress I made in the peach ankara we all had to wear for the wedding..) I didn't realise how drunk I was, I fell and ripped the dress as I was putting it on and stayed my ass at home!
x

21 comments:

Afrikan Princess said...

Can't believe you ripped the skirt !
It looked so good and you're such a talented sewer.
I guess that's what you get for being drunk lol jokes :P

www.afrikanprincezz.blogspot.com

Like Mousse Au Chocolat said...

wow luv that miss,beautiful skirt

Anonymous said...

haha! Pretty skirt. I must admit I was a little unsure of what the ankara print would turn out (cuz i didnt like the print)but u made it work as usual. U bad!!

Dude, did u privatize your tweets? i finally got twitter.

Anonymous said...

Errm, what happened to your tumblr( yea ive been following since those days)

EGO TRIP AND FASHION said...

The skirt is really lovely!

maphi bayolo said...

love the skirt , love the way you styled it , everything looks amazing xoxo

Unknown said...

Cute skirt! So talented!

Ane said...

the skirt turned out fab, great way to save a bad situation!! oh I haven't heard this song in ages mehn

Shanna said...

gerat skirt! Very unique :)

Sonee said...

I Love it!!! sonees.blogspot.com

Stereo said...

No, forreal, how much for one of those skirts. Reppin' my country HARD in those shots. I love it!

PS. I don't know which ends you're in, but you're safe, right? London is crazy right now.

Dami said...

Love it, looks bloody GREAT!

www.trashygos.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

i love that ankara skirt hunny!!!
love it

BLEURGH
http://say-bleurgh.blogspot.com

AJ TAYLOR said...

I love that skirt, from fabric to fit to the peplum details. As an ankara devotee, I have to applaud you for your styling. Really gorgeous. And i'm definitely stealing this style. Love it.

http://myafricancloset.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

Wow you look beautiful! That ankara skirt really looks amazing with stripes! :) x

http://noirlabelle.blogspot.com/

LOVE AESTHETICS said...

Amazing!
I love how well you pull off those two prints together

(My friend here is going crazy about your look :) )

PKelly's Site said...

love the skirt fab look!!

Anonymous said...

THAT SKIRT IS GORG! You are sooo creative and I admire you so much for that! xxxxxxx Vanessa

Fashion Means Everything said...

Darling your skirt is beautiful like you also
your style is just really wooooo

Geriee the Glamazon said...

I love how you customised this!!!
Love ankara anytime anyday!

BERRY-HAUTE

♛ FWB said...

I LOVE it. Especially the skirt..

Lol.

<3

GREAT blog.

Kimberly, FWB