To update my post on Ethical African Fashion. I want state that I am obviously not condoning any illicit or illegal practices. I am simply talking of the distinction between Fashion - which at the end of the day is an Industry and the concept of Ethical Africa. After almost 20 years researching and devoting time to African Textiles, I feel it is important for the U.N. and other Global Initiatives to really make decent case studies into the African Textile industry. For me the were just dropping into a village and doing a bit of work approach is dated. The world is far more diverse and its important for people to understand STILL that most Wax Prints are made by companies who are either not based in Africa, or owned by state and private partnerships with foreign companies. I support anybody who approaches the concept of African and Ethics? But, in an ever more diverse and globalized world, it is important to remember that the fashion industry still has to come to terms with issues of diversity, ethnicity and culture. Whether Ethical or not, products have to be sold, then subjected to the opinions of buyers, merchandisers, editors and journalists. I just feel it is time that more people are invited to the table, because I still feel the Ethical Africa model restricts creation and reduces it down to a particular criteria, which sometimes creatives want to escape from. Also, it can still appear as an exclusive club. Designers want to create and not be restricted and that is why I encourage more people to just Do It For Yourself. Do not be restricted to a concept we are African so we have to do it like this. We have to be open to the whole world and understand that Fashion is an INDUSTRY.
Posted on: Fri, 23 May 2014 11:13:01 +0000