Chris Seydou was a designer that particularly stood out to me, the tailoring, prints, luxurious lurex and sophisticated silks were reminiscent of the late 70’s to early 90’s; classic & timeless pieces that take you on a journey through the years to present day. Although Seydou was my favourite designer, the piece that I was left thinking about for days after my visit was a couture fuchsia pink two piece by Imane Ayissi. I could picture myself in this piece on the red carpet, envisioning myself in a position of success... and even writing about it now, in this moment, is making me feel giddy & elated. A dress made of dreams.
How the V&A explores Africa’s global impact on the fashion scene
Hand-crafted, luxury experiences curated by our team—speak to our concierge to learn more
Speak to Our ConciergeThe V&A is currently paying homage to the significant space Africa holds in the fashion industry. Running until April 2023, Africa fashion is a landmark exhibition celebrating the pure craftsmanship, innovative and undeniable global impact of African fashion.
Iconic African designers, such as Kofi Ansah and Alpahdi, have given the public the opportunity to explore never seen before designs amongst the array of garments and objects on display for the exhibition. I was absolutely blown away by the artistry that was on display, solidifying how much I will be supporting African designers moving forward. You have to visit to understand the magnitude of greatness when it comes to design. When asked what pieces evoked raw emotion, it was difficult to choose. Numerous parts of the exhibition evoked multitudes of sentiments which, to me, is the true aim of fashion. From extreme joy and pride to see such dimension, craft and skill, and at other times, sadness and disappointment to know that African designers aren't given the recognition and platform they deserve to be able to thrive as significantly as the designers we love today.
This exhibition is the beginning of a broader commitment the V&A are making to promote and uplift African designers from the continent and its diaspora, and tell the rich stories of their history and culture. As you make your way through the exhibition, you will see an array of traditional and modern designs; designs that transport you deep into Africa. The prints and fabrics are exciting, colourful and fun, and visitors can capture beautiful clothing, as well as see photographic portraits from the mid-late 20th century, that capture the moods, beauty and memories of the African people.
If you want to immerse yourself into African design, dance and even politics, this exhibition is a must visit. The exhibition explores how fashion, visual arts and music have formed a key part of the colourful African culture present within the Western hemisphere, which has clearly laid many foundations for the music and fashion industries today.
Dr Christine Checinska, Senior Curator African and African Diaspora: Textiles and Fashion, said: Our guiding principle for Africa Fashion is the foregrounding of individual African voices and perspectives. The exhibition presents African fashions as a self-defining art form that reveals
V&A South Kensington
Closes Sunday, 16 April 2023
Tickets cost £16, book them here.
Share this Article
You Might Also Like
-
Women Who Launch: Chatting with Florence Macovei & AFTERHOURS
Meet Florence Macovei, the founder of AFTERHOURS, a fashion brand which makes incredibly wearable, sleek, and sophisticated clothes for the modern woman, in the latest instalment of our Women Who Launch series.
-
The Insider's Guide to London Fashion Week
Fashion contributor Priya Raj takes The Sybarite readers behind the scenes at fashion's biggest event.
-
Diamonds [and Lab Diamonds] - For Dummies
The world of diamonds is complex and filled with jargon that the average Joe wouldn’t know. The Sybarite presents a comprehensive guide to all things sparkly and new.
-
Featuring The Sybarite's Best Dressed Celebs at the BAFTAs
The 2023 EE BAFTA’s brought us many memorable moments, from Helen Mirren’s emotional tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, to the comical presenting skills of TV’s own Alison Hammond (all in a glittering gown nonetheless). One thing we can always rely on the BAFTAs for is a red carpet filled with fashion moments to fawn over until the next red carpet takes over our screens and feeds.
-
5 things we learned from Berlin Fashion Week
Berlin fashion week was full of politics, power and passion this January. Here's five things we learned whilst in the bustling German capital.
-
16 Luxury Valentine's Day Gifts for Him in 2023
Is the man in your life particularly hard to buy for? Struggling to find a meaningful Valentines Day gift when Christmas feels like only yesterday? Not to worry, The Sybarite have found a selection of luxurious and unique Valentines Day gifts that will be perfect for any man.
-
Yayoi Kusama at the TATE
"Theatrical, moody and dramatic", that's how contributor Cherelle Mukoko would describe the brand new Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the TATE.
-
Altered State: A Psychedelic Playground at 99 Projects
Join contributor Max Feldman on his visit to 99 Projects for the Altered State exhibition, a showcase between artists Dan Pearce and Cody Burridge.
-
Featuring 2023’s Most Exciting Art Exhibitions
With the National Portrait Gallery reopening after its three-year refurb, 2023 promises to be a big year for art in London. Here’s our pick of some of the key exhibitions hitting the capital’s galleries in the coming months.
-
His Royal Wordiness: A Spare Thought for Prince Harry
Contributing Writer Max Feldman shares his thoughts on Prince Harry's tell-all book, Spare, for The Sybarite.
-
A Brief History of Burns Night
Celebrated annually since 1801 in homes across Scotland, Burns Night commemorates the life and legacy of the famous Scottish bard, Robert Burns. Arts & Culture contributor Jonathan Riley is here to tell you more about this long-held Caledonian tradition.
-
Bringing Back Boujis: Get Ready for B London
Just around the corner from where the infamous Boujis once stood, B London is expected to put a bang into Kensington and Chelsea’s nightlife scene.
Learn more about luxury lifestyle by signing up for free
For our latest experiences and editorials, be the first in the know. You'll learn about upcoming experiences happening worldwide and the secrets and lifestyle of a sybarite.