A REVIEW ON THE BEAUTY OF ANKARA IN FASHION

Tosin Clegg

Today, Ankara continues to transcend boundaries and take on new meanings in the growing world of fashion. The once humble fabric, worn in the streets of Lagos, Accra, and Nairobi, now graces the runways of international fashion capitals, showcasing the incredible versatility of African design and its place in the global fashion space.

What makes Ankara so enchanting is its endless capacity for reinvention. It’s a fabric that demands attention, its bold patterns catching the eye and drawing you into its story. The intricate prints can convey everything from the vibrancy of nature to the energy of city life, each design carrying with it a sense of history and meaning.

And while Ankara has deep cultural roots, it has also become a canvas for modern creativity, allowing designers to mix traditional styles with contemporary ones. From street style to haute couture, Ankara has found its way into the wardrobes of fashion lovers worldwide.

One of the most striking aspects of Ankara in today’s fashion world is its seamless integration with modern, global trends. Designers across the globe have embraced Ankara’s beauty, using its distinctive prints and nice colours to create collections that speak to the modern woman.

The fabric’s adaptability has made it a favourite of both African designers and international brands, and it is now celebrated as a symbol of global style and cultural pride. The power of Ankara lies in its ability to remain relevant in a changing fashion space, to evolve and adapt while still staying true to its roots.

Damichi has shown its mastery here in blending modern and traditional elements, creating pieces that honour African heritage while remaining stylish and accessible to the global fashion world.

Founded in 2019 by Oluwadamilola Elizabeth Odulaja, Damichi has quickly gained recognition for its distinctive style and commitment to sustainability. The brand’s core philosophy centres on empowering women with designs that are as much about culture as they are about fashion.

It is known for its unique take on African textiles, Damichi has carved a niche in the world of contemporary fashion by blending traditional Ankara with modern silhouettes, creating pieces that celebrate the beauty of African heritage while making a bold statement in today’s global fashion scene.

Through its use of Ankara and other African fabrics, the brand brings together the timeless elegance of traditional textiles with the sharp, tailored lines of modern design, creating a fusion of past and present that is both fresh and exciting.

What makes Damichi stand out in the crowded world of fashion is its ability to tell a story with every piece. Their collections are more than just garments, they are expressions of African culture, nature, and the personal journeys of women around the world. The signature Ankara prints used by Damichi speak volumes, incorporating vibrant colours and intricate designs that are both eye-catching and meaningful.

The first dress from Damichi’s 2022 collection is nothing short of stunning, blending the traditional beauty of Ankara with the delicate elegance of blue lace. This long gown flows gracefully to the floor, its tight-fitting blue lace bodice hugs the wearer’s curves, highlighting the beauty and shape of the figure.

A unique Ankara design, with vibrant blue and yellow floral patterns, sweeps down from the knee, creating a dramatic contrast that brings the entire look to life. The gown flares out from the knee to the floor, much like a wedding dress, adding an air of sophistication.

This dress is perfect for both formal and casual occasions, making it an incredibly versatile piece. A simple addition of silver accessories, like a delicate bracelet or statement earrings, would elevate the look even further, enhancing its beauty without overpowering the design.

This gown perfectly encapsulates Damichi’s commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and celebrating culture with a contemporary twist.

The second gown from Damichi’s collection is a masterpiece with bold design. This long, floor-length gown flows beautifully to the floor, elegantly covering the wearer’s feet. The top of the gown is crafted from rich purple lace, tightly fitted to reveal the wearer’s silhouette, revealing the shape with its form-fitting design.

The sleeveless cut adds a modern touch, while the striking purple silk flower design wraps around the chest and cascades to the back, creating an exquisite, unique detail that sets the dress apart.

As the gown continues down, it flows gracefully from the knee with a vibrant yellow Ankara fabric, like a wedding gown in its nice shape. The Ankara material is not just any yellow, it’s adorned with delicate purple floral patterns, perfectly matching the top half of the gown, creating a harmonious blend of colours and textures. This combination of rich purple lace and bold, floral Ankara design makes the dress a striking and unforgettable choice.

This gown is a stunning example of how Damichi celebrates cultural heritage while embracing modern femininity. The contrast between the delicate lace and the bold Ankara fabric tells a beautiful story, one of elegance, grace, and individuality.

The transformative journey of Ankara from traditional wear to modern-day runway staples is proof of the fabric’s versatility and the ingenuity of the designers who choose to work with it. From tailored suits and sleek dresses to flowing skirts and jumpsuits, Ankara has been reworked into countless fashion-forward pieces.

The fabric’s journey from local markets to global stages represents more than just a fashion trend, it embodies the blending of cultures, histories, and identities into something uniquely beautiful.

The last gown in Damichi’s collection is the epitome of simplicity and elegance, showcasing the timeless beauty of this design.

Made from rich red fabric, this long gown flows gracefully from top to floor, creating a wide style that gives it a mature, regal feel, much like a wedding gown. The short sleeves add a simple touch of skin, giving a soft, delicate air to the overall look.

A hint of Ankara fabric is added at the top, simply decorating the chest area, giving the gown an unexpected, magical charm that draws attention without taking away its simplicity. To add further dimension, a flower-like design is attached to the right side of the neck giving it a hint of playfulness.

This dress is perfect for dinner parties or formal celebrations, where grace and elegance are key. To further enhance the look, adding long, bold earrings would not only complement the gown but also draw attention to the wearer’s face, elevating the entire ensemble.

Damichi continues to impress with its ability to blend subtle design with bold cultural influences, crafting pieces that are both timeless and contemporary. This red gown is a stunning example of how simplicity can still exude beauty and make a lasting impact.

Each print carries with it a sense of heritage, a reflection of the artistry and history behind the fabric itself.

Damichi’s approach to Ankara is not just about creating beautiful clothing; it’s about creating a connection to something larger than fashion. By incorporating Ankara into its collections, Damichi is part of a global movement that is reshaping the way we see and appreciate African design.

The brand’s commitment to sustainable practices, including using long-lasting fabrics and repurposing leftover materials, further enhances its cultural impact, ensuring that each piece is as thoughtful and intentional as it is beautiful.

The versatility of Ankara is on full display in Damichi’s collections, where the fabric is used in everything from flowing kaftans and dresses to sleek trousers and blouses. The brand’s designs embrace the fluidity of modern life, offering pieces that are easy to wear, travel with, and adapt to different occasions.

Whether it’s a chic day look or an elegant evening outfit, Damichi’s Ankara creations are designed to make women feel empowered, confident, and connected to something greater. It’s fashion with a purpose, a celebration of culture, heritage, and sustainability, all wrapped into one.

Damichi also redefines the modern woman’s wardrobe with its versatile separates—blouses, skirts, and trousers that can be mixed and matched to create endless combinations. By combining Ankara with sleek, modern cuts, Damichi offers pieces that are both practical and stylish, perfect for women who want to incorporate African heritage into their everyday wardrobe without compromising on contemporary style.

The beauty of Ankara in fashion is that it can be anything you want it to be: bold, subtle, playful, or sophisticated. It is a fabric that transcends trends and generations, evolving with time while retaining its cultural significance. In the hands of designers like Damichi, Ankara becomes a symbol of empowerment, creativity, and the unbreakable bond between culture and fashion.