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