Ethnic Influences on design

Africa is one of my most favorite places to study apparel. The country has such an distinct and unique style of dress. The cloth to the right is called "kente" cloth. It is woven by the men in Africa and is the most worn fabric. (shown bottom right)
Both men and women wear this garment wrapped around them for all occasions. Occasions including weddings, religious events, activities, work and any regular day. The childern in Africa have a little different style then the elders, they are more westernized. Wearing blue jeans and t-shirts on regular occasions.
Tie-dying is an extremly big thing in this culture. Although it is not used as we use it here. They dye small pieces of fabric different colors, then sew them together. These influences have traveled to the west. Tie-dying is a popular way of decorating clothes. Even though we do not wear the original kente people still take some ideas from the cloth and make it into thier own worn in the west. (bottom left)