African Fabric is so distinct and universally known that it takes only a millisecond for someone almost anywhere in the world to see it and instantly think, "oh, its so African!". The fabric is so full of life, so vibrant in color and is a direct representation of the energy, the people, the music, the liveliness, the different aspects found in the entire span of the continent.
When I was in Ghana last month I learned that Wax-Resist Dyed fabrics (just one of the many different types of fabrics in Africa) originated from Indonesia. In the 1800s, African Soldiers were sent to what was then known as the Netherland East Indies due to a shortage of soldiers. Upon returning to West Africa, they brought with them Javanese Fabrics --
Batik Prints. These prints/fabrics evolved into what is easily recognizable today as "African Tribal Prints".
Small World huh?
Today, African Prints can be found as inspiration to many designers across the runway.
This season,
Aldo unveiled a couple pairs of shoes made with African Fabric. They are beautiful! I would wear these with mostly solid pieces from my wardrobe, or even be a little daring and mix them with a subtle print.
Amazing designer,
Thakoon, also used African Prints in his Fall 2011 RTW Collection. He observed similarities between the costumes in Versailles and clothing of the people from the Masai Tribe in Kenya, integrated the two, and brought em' to the runway.
Of course, you have been waiting to see how Tebazile Jewellery ties into all of this, and I thank you for making it this far.
Wearing jewellery with prints that already have a lot going on can be sort of intimidating, but don't be afraid! Something we take pride in with our jewellery is its versitality. Our pieces are always made with the word statement in mind, but they are like make-up --
an enhancer. With carefully chosen pieces and a little bit of confidence, honey you can rock those prints, and that piece of fabulous jewellery!
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| If you're feeling bold, ADD to the busy-ness with a statement piece such as this Cheddar Rectangle Necklace. |
If that may be too much for you, you can always try this option:
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| One of our many different Rosaries. This is a bold color, but we do have them in assorted colors, and with assorted pendants. Check out www.tebazile.com for more options! |
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| If you don't want anything to distract the print, you can always go above the clothes and wear earrings! These earrings have an interesting shape, but are not bold in color or details so they will fit in perfectly with everything that is going on. |
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| You can never go wrong with little strings of bracelets. Stack them for texture or wear them individually for a subtle hint. |
Again, isn't it lovely to have OPTIONS! That's what we here at Tebazile want you to have.
In compliance with the "African" theme, I thought I'd throw in a beauty editorial that featured Tebazile Jewellery last August.
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| Tebazile's Caged Coral ring on the middle finger. |
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| Tebazile's Coral Caged Ring |
It's an amazing thing when different ideas from all over the world assimilate to produce beautiful works of art. Even more so when you can relate to it.
For any inquiries regarding any of these pieces, please email us at info@tebazile.com
xx
Mazel
Tebazile L.A.
