Triple A – Amazing African Ankara!

By Kirsten Okenwa

Ankara wax prints are here to stay. For something as blin­dingly conspicuous as the brave, bold print, it certainly has enjoyed a long run for decades, in fashion and interiors. Such stamina is very remarkable considering fashion’s notoriously fickle nature and ev­er-shortening attention span. Yet, some of the industry’s most dis­cerning brands and trendsetting young designers still seem to be infatuated with Ankara printed fabrics, returning again and again to intensely vibrant, graphic and super-saturated motifs.

Ankara wax prints have now be­come a must-have for nearly every West African fashion designer’s collection, and some foreigners too. Interior designers, furniture makers are also increasingly in­spired to use these prints in more unique ways. The blend of vi­brant colours and patterns in the wax print gives a welcoming am­bience to any space. Everything, from flowerpot covers, clothing, to shoes, bags or stationeries have be­come lavish and over the top with the use of Ankara wax prints. Soft furnishings made with Ankara pat­terns on cotton or silk fabrics, are as flashy and excessive as possible.

Interior decorators are making curtains, wall hangings, pillows, throws, lampshades, with Anka­ra. The wax prints can liven up a room because it blends well with leather or other fabrics. You can mix, match or clash the prints. One of the best, and most excit­ing, things about Ankara wax print is that there are endless possibili­ties. There are so many variations to mix and match the product you want to create, with what you al­ready have in your wardrobe or home.

It is impossible to get bored!

But, if you’re nervous about using bold Ankara prints in your furnishings, start with something small like a lampshade or cushion. Ankara prints also does good ser­vice on the table. Table cloths or napkins can be made with Ankara. You can bring them out on occa­sions when you fancy a flourish of prints and keep a cupboard full of options. For all your Ankara wax products: fabric bundles, soft fur­nishings, clothing, and all Ankara crafts, visit O-PHYL Ethnic, Upper Level, Shop U8 at Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja. Or the branch at Reiz Con­tinental Hotel, Central Area, Abuja. Tel: 0803 7870 536, 0908 7845 157.