Why you should try a Little Ankara Dress
If Coco Chanel made the “LBD” or little black dress famous, in West Africa we certainly have our own “Little Ankara Dress” – a dress made of wax print cotton fabric usually made on demand to our measurements. Ankara or wax print designs are an everyday staple in my part of the world and worn for every occasion. Here is how I make the little Ankara dress work for me.
Growing up in Ivory Coast, we were more used to going to the seamstress or tailor to have clothes made for us than walking in a store. Ready-to-wear was rare and expensive in the small town I lived in as a child and it made more sense to have things made rather than buying them. It was the case for all our clothes and for every occasion – from back to school uniforms to family or religion celebrations – a visit to the tailor was mandatory.
Having an Ankara outfit designed is a whole process – it can look overwhelming for some, but I love it! It starts with picking the fabric which is the part I enjoy the most - looking at a multitude of colorful drawings and selecting the one that strikes my fancy. Then it is straight to the dressmaker to talk design, style, have our measurements taken, and more importantly discuss cost and timeframe. I have to say I spend a considerable amount of time at my tailor’s workshop each time I visit my parents, just to make sure I have the latest styles made in Ankara.
If you have ever visited West Africa, you just know, Ankara or as we also call it wax print, is everywhere! Most women and girls have their closet full of attires made in the well-known material from the most formal outfits to the casual ensemble or even house dresses. Any smart gal has several little Ankara dresses to pull from and I have began curating my own collection in the past years. I always feel extra special every time I put on one of my “LADs”; Unlike its black counterpart that is supposed to let us look “ok” in every occasion, something about knowing that I will definitely standout in an Ankara dress with its bold and unique print, that it was made for my body and that no other woman will have the same in the room.
Now, you don’t have to take a trip to West Africa to get your little Ankara dress. There are thankfully many talented African designers with their creations available in the US or able to ship from Africa. If you want to dip your feet in the Ankara game, check out Afrikrea, a platform where you can discover African fashion designs and styles for all tastes and pockets. If you want to try Ankara with baby steps, there are also accessories made with the iconic fabric so you can get a taste.
I hope this convinced you to give the little Ankara dress a try and I want to hear from you if you have already made the jump to add some African flavor to your wardrobe.
