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!
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:
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
wow luv that miss,beautiful skirt
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.
Errm, what happened to your tumblr( yea ive been following since those days)
The skirt is really lovely!
love the skirt , love the way you styled it , everything looks amazing xoxo
Cute skirt! So talented!
the skirt turned out fab, great way to save a bad situation!! oh I haven't heard this song in ages mehn
gerat skirt! Very unique :)
I Love it!!! sonees.blogspot.com
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.
Love it, looks bloody GREAT!
www.trashygos.blogspot.com
i love that ankara skirt hunny!!!
love it
BLEURGH
http://say-bleurgh.blogspot.com
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
Wow you look beautiful! That ankara skirt really looks amazing with stripes! :) x
http://noirlabelle.blogspot.com/
Amazing!
I love how well you pull off those two prints together
(My friend here is going crazy about your look :) )
love the skirt fab look!!
THAT SKIRT IS GORG! You are sooo creative and I admire you so much for that! xxxxxxx Vanessa
Darling your skirt is beautiful like you also
your style is just really wooooo
I love how you customised this!!!
Love ankara anytime anyday!
BERRY-HAUTE
I LOVE it. Especially the skirt..
Lol.
<3
GREAT blog.
Kimberly, FWB
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