Making A Bold & Vibrant Design Statement With Ankara African Prints

Ankara, an African print fabric that’s bold and colorful, are gaining popularity in interiors and fashion as a design trend.

 Photo by Ania Wawrzkowicz, London

West African Ankara fabrics are known for their bold, colorful tribal like motifs are becoming popular worldwide.  Ankara textiles are 100% cotton wax printed fabrics that were created by a wax-resist dyeing method better known as Batik.  Though the fabric prints are synonymous with Africa the origins of the cloths are actually Dutch.  The Dutch made the cloths for the Indonesian market but through trade Ankara fabrics were introduced and embraced by Africa.  The colorful patterns have became a signature  symbol of the West African culture.

Vlisco, the power-house Netherlands based fabric company, has been designing and producing colorful Ankara fabrics since 1846.

Today, Ankara prints are gaining popularity being used by fashion designers and in home decor.   Adding Ankara prints to your home or wardrobe can be a great way to give your style a boost of color and individuality.

Here’s a look at some of the best home and fashion uses for Ankara African Wax Prints.  Hope you see something that will inspire you to refresh your style with Ankara prints.

Ankara African Wax Prints for Home Decorating

Ankara pillows  & Christmas Tree Ornaments

Both products by Reflektion Design by Anitra Terrell

Make an old chair new again with Ankara African wax prints

Ankara pillows from Ghana by Project Bly

Ankara African print ottomans by Afroklectic

Ankara African Wax Prints in Fashion

The fashion designers below are known for their use of vibrant Ankara African Wax Prints in their fashion designs.

Suit – Stella Jean, London

Dress – Demestiks New York by Reuben Reul

Maxi Dress – Demestiks New York by Reuben Reul

Dress – Suakoko Betty by Charlene Dumbar, Atlanta

Lisa Folawiyo is known for her embellished ankara pieces.

I’d love to know what you think.  

How would you use Ankara African prints?  

Or is it too bold for you?

Until next time …