Kesha Polk photo by Marcus Smith (Smiththephotographer)
By: Kenjdra Glapion-Langston
“Empower, inspire, embrace and be true” are the words with which real women want to surround themselves. It goes without saying that the year of the woman has arrived and is here to stay. I must say it is beautiful to see more women embracing their natural beauty as they dare to be bold with creative natural hair styles and relaxed and chic attire. Within this new era, the challenge is either being hated, loved or misunderstood. Therefore, if we must be hated, please do so, as I wear my best smile, hair, and fierce African fashions. I have had my share of contemplating whether my attire was too “ethnic” or appropriate without cultural offense. More importantly, does it represent me without shame? As we all descend from somewhere, fashion guilt does not reside here. Today’s article is on the fabulous queen-esque attire to which we are drawn today.
Shelsie Nichols Photo by Marcus Smith (Smiththephotographer)
As we stay and slay in the year of the woman, it is important to rally and show support, feeling secure as we represent heritage in our society today. We constantly fight against race in America and what is deemed to be “publicly appropriate” or accepted, given its diverse representation in style. Wearing confidence is more than not being afraid to stand on stage in a room full of peers to deliver a speech about matters of the cause. Confidence is not being afraid to step onto a stage in front of your peers who may not be so bold to wear that African cloak dress, head wrap, or mid bold print skirt. With the beauty of the fabric and history of Ankara, how can you go wrong?
Ladies, It’s time to be even more powerful as we strut in our “she-ro” super cloak dresses with pure radiance and confidence. The African culture is fused with patterns and creativity that have influenced Western society and have been embraced by many fashionistas. Want to turn heads? Try pairing a bold African-inspired ensemble with cute heels, a small clutch, and simple accessories.
Ariel Thompson Photo by Marcus Smith (Smiththephotographer)
In an article posted in “The World Post” back in 2013, it was stated that “when it comes to fashion, all signs are pointing to Africa as the next ‘Big Thing’”. According to the New York Times, African fashion began re-trending globally with the launch of ARISE Magazine in 2009. With the power of social media and fashion gurus alike, notability and interest of African attire have provided a strong presence. I must say it is capsulating and I am in love! Embracing heritage without permission is wearing beauty with no boundaries or limits.
Shinyera Johnson photo by Marcus Smith (Smiththephotographer)
3 comments
Awesome blog, I really appreciate your content. Very interesting website.
Ase. This is just BEAUTIFUL. I have been Re-Embracing Our African Heritage. When I was in Jr. High and Hi School in the 70’s thats what I wore. My Sister and Brother-n-Law traveled to The African Continent at least twice a year and would bring Meh back Beautiful outfits, but for the life of Meh I guess I got to grown and stopped wearing them. To this day I wish I had kept wearing them. In the last few years I made a conscious decision to start back wearing My African Heritage. Now it’s time to buy a Sewing machine and embark on making my own clothes.
My African-American cousin wants to be able to be true to her heritage because she wants to embrace her own roots. I think I’ll give her a handmade blue dress with pockets from a good store if that will give her the motivation to start filling her wardrobe with ethnic clothing. Thanks for saying that this will help her feel secure with herself, so I hope that she likes this gift that I will give to her.