Great read from the Huffington Post highlighting the influence of African fashion bloggers and the globalization of the wax print. Excerpt (and fabulous photos) after the click.
In an article written by Chayet Chiénin and published on the Huffington Post:
Bloggers can seriously influence the way industries think — in fashion and beyond. It’s not for nothing that famous brands, big and small, enlist the services of these bloggers like crazy. These trendspotters, on top of the latest innovations, can ramp up sales of some brands and make others better-known.
In the universe of African fashion, this phenomenon is equally well-known — but it goes beyond direct influence on transactions and sales. We must be equally aware of the influence that is not as palpable and material: bloggers are able to make their interests the flavor of the day, resulting in a globalization and democratization of African fashion (via the trend of wax print fabric).
Globalization comes about when prominent bloggers have an influence that goes beyond the framework of their country of residence. Their blogs and social networks are followed internationally by people like you and me, but also by industry professionals such as fashion journalists, stylists and some even by professional buyers.
There’s democratization because the bloggers’ takes on fashion impact very large audiences, who do not necessarily know African fashion.
It’s undeniable that African fashion, boosted by the trendiness of wax print, has had a more than positive turn in recent years. Lately, it’s been featured in top venues and even in the mainstream press. But if a craving for African prints is on the rise among celebrities and stars, don’t forget the important contribution that bloggers have made and continue to make in this evolution and the industry in general.
The author goes on to list some (definitely not an exhaustive list) of the influential bloggers in the African Fashion space including Fatou N’Diaye from the blog Blackbeautybag, Gaëlle-Vanessa Prudencio from the blog, The Curvy and Curly Closet, Folake Kuye Huntoon from Style Pantry, Folasade Adeoso from Art by Fola, and Vanessa and Luna of Project Tribe. Photos below:
