We present the Afrofuturistic Kimono collection for Summer 2020: Amazwe. This is the first collection of yukata designed by Uber Dandy Kimono.
The basis of UDK, uniquely, is a combination of different elements from multiple countries. In consequence, this has resulted in the combination of African wax prints with yukata. In comparison, the owner Tia Oguri is a South African living in the UK who also wears traditional Japanese Kitsune alongside Samakaka (angola print fabric).
For this Wafrica yukata collection, the fabrics used are feature prints designed by the House Fabrosanz – a South African Fashion House. According to UDK, African wax prints and the classic kitsuke silhouette are very versatile elements by themselves. In addition, both are frequent subjects of cultural appropriation. Due to this, it was a conscious decision to use the two in conjunction with each other. As such, the collection can appeal to the more modern day figure and body shape, because the fabric bolt widths are able to accommodate the standard European sizing and wide variety of body proportions that can be found.
It should be noted how the Traditional tribal prints of South Africa are the inspiration for the House of Fabrisanz when they designed the prints. This has translated into bold and graphic prints which have contributed to the success of the collection. The prints also provided stimulus for the modern and futuristic styling of traditional kitsuke.
Through this combination of two timeless characteristics, a bright fresh take is brought into the kimono world. Moreover, the Summer 2020 collection highlights the unique properties of each cultural attribute. A 21st Century take to help encourage more people to wear yukata as part of their everyday attire.
Amazwe is a showcase of Afrofuturism, merging several cultures together harmoniously. Hopefully, Amazwe – along with future collections – will help promote the appeal of kitsuke to the European market.
