Celebrating African Fashion: from D’iyanu collections to Amanda Gorman’s Stunning Vogue Cover

African print has existed on the continent in many forms for centuries. As people moved between nations, trading designs, ideas, culture and expressions, certain prints became synonymous with heritage, beauty and African style.

From kente print to Ankara fabric, some designs can express the richness of the places that created them and draw in the eye of anyone around the globe. Youth poet laureate Amanda Gorman did just that when she teamed up with contributing editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson for her star appearance on the cover of Vogue magazine.

As the cover spread across social media, Black audiences, artists, audiences, designers and fashion lovers came together to  celebrate the debut. There was something about the flowing lines and subtle layering of the vibrant kente cloth that made it as vocal and commanding as the young star who wore it.

That power of expression, elegance and heritage is one we here at D’iyanu know well. It’s the intention and inspiration behind so many of our collections. So, in celebration of African print, we thought we’d highlight a few of our looks created from the same place of wonder as Amanda Gorman’s cover.

1. Omi African Print V-Neck Peplum Blouse 

A quality blouse is synonymous with any spring wardrobe. It’s the kind of clothing item that you can rock all day long from morning meetings at work to grabbing cocktails with friends in the evening. 

Our V-Neck peplum blouse is made with 100% cotton fabric to keep you cozy when you need to be and breezy when it’s time to shine. Spring is when the sun puts its golden marker on the world and breathes new life into the earth, and what celebrates that better than a stylish new blouse?

 

We love that the Omi blouse comes in three different colorways, giving our customers options when choosing which one to purchase. Each v-neck peplum is vibrant and chic with its puff sleeves and sash accents that can be used to make a tighter waist.

Nothing says spring quite like the vibrancy of the Omi blouses! 

Find it here!

2. Ankara Print Head Wrap/Scarf

Amanda Gorman left her amazing hair uncovered for her Vogue spotlight, but head wraps continue to be a source of expression for black folks in Africa and the diaspora. It’s an item that fits well with any African print, and the ways it can empower are just as diverse.

For some, a head wrapping embraces modesty, for others, it’s another opportunity for bold expression. It can be practical or flamboyant, a finishing touch or the center piece to any outfit. African fashion embraced all its facets before there were cameras anywhere in the world, but there’s something about Ankara print that demands to be seen.

The 100% cotton keeps the fabric light but durable. Ankara’s ability to make bright colors stand out in any light makes it all too perfect for Spring anywhere in the world. 

Take a look!

3. Didara African Print Gathered Triangle Maxi Skirt

We don’t just celebrate Black history in February. Likewise, the beauty of African print extends to all seasons. In Africa and the diaspora, expressing heritage is a daily deal.

When we created our Celebration of Black History Month collection, it was to join the other voices and stories coming together in that time, but also to showcase the timelessness of what we all shared.

And what says timeless African fashion like stunning prints? This maxi skirt makes full use of the style’s penchant for intricate geometric details stitched together with bold, curving lines. The playful cut inspires a silhouette that can be commanding and chic or free and flirty.

Like all good fashion, it’s designed to give the wearer what they need to set their own mood. The gold and blue tribal print makes it stand out in its combination of color, detail, shapes and flow. It encourages fascination of its many facets up close and an appreciation of the full, dynamic effect from across a room.

See for yourself!

African print is a celebration of all that is beautiful

Amanda Gorman said it best in her poem ‘The Hill We Climb’:

“When day comes we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid.”

Heritage isn’t just a call back to a distant history, it exists in the present. African prints are a long and intricate thread that so many African perspectives, values and stories are braided through. At D’iyanu, we want to showcase that with each design and empower the communities that bond through them.