| Kente thrills
By Yetunde Oladeinde
Friday, August 1, 2008
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Photos: Sun News Publishing
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Fashion buffs would tell you that the Kente has a huge Inventory
when it comes to fabrics, sandals, artworks and other accessories.
This vibrant fabric is distinguished by the use of strong
patterns woven in traditional African colours. In terms of
aesthetics the funky kente squares is unique over a rust background.
For some, it’s authentic African wax and print has become
a treasure. Even the imitations produced in countries like
Pakistan, Hong Kong and Bangladesh are also a delight no matter
the style made with it. These days the kente fabric is getting
more colourful.
Combinations like red, black and white or blue, yellow and
orange can be very exciting to behold.
Another unique blend comes in deep blue, wine and black which
can be used to make any design of your choice.
Unlike in the past when the Kente was used to make just shirts
the fabric has become very dynamic in many ways. The lighter
fabrics are now used by our ladies to make all kinds of long
skirts and blouse designs.
They are very versatile because of its multiple colour scheme.
Ribbons are used to beautify the neck sleeves and the edges.
The skirt also can be played up which is the trend in the
fashion scene now. In this case the blouse is made into a
simple but unique style while you have glamorous pleats and
steps made around the lower parts of the skirt.
The gypsy skirt design is another option but if you want to
have this, then you can go for a mixture with a plain fabric
selected from one of the colours of your kente. If your kente
fabric belongs to the thick category. Then it is better to
use it sparingly. You actually get a more dramatic effect
when you mix it with another fabric that contrasts beautifully.
The history of the fabric goes back to the 12th Century when
African royalty wore this colorful fabric. Then it was a colourful
narrow fabric strips woven and pieced together to make a wider
fabric used for garments.
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