We all know that Africa is a continent and not a country, right? Right! Well, it is also a source of inspiration for many fashion designers. Celebrities of all hues have been donning the attire that represents the Motherland in a diverse array of patterns, cuts and colors. Dig into these well known names who rep Africa on red carpets and runways.
Rihanna adds a touch of punk to her black, white and grey African-print romper with sky high heels and blonde tresses.
Solange’s fun and funky afro wig is the perfect complement to her colorful, strapless dress that was clearly inspired by African patterns.
Gwen Stefani proves that Japan is not the only source of her fashion sense as she poses in a strapless dress with multi-layered ruffles and wrist full of bangles.
Estelle is a London lady, but she shows off her international African steez in this flirty purple and gold number.
Actress Victoria Rowell bridges the ocean between Africa and the United States with this sweeping blue gown adorned with adinkra symbols from West Africa and featuring the face of the first African-American president of the United States, President Barack Obama.
A simple gold belt sets off Fergie’s unique, eye-catching romper.
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The ageless Nia Long rocks the red carpet in a form fitting black and grey African-print dress with a splash of orange and a few dots of blue.
Shakira’s hips aren’t lying in this barely-there skirt inspired by African tribal designs.
Sure she can sing, but Alicia Keys’ legs are the stars as she wears this funky, royal purple ensemble.
Beyonce shows off her enviable waist-to-hip ratio in short shorts and a jacket full of shapes and colors with an architectural cut. Alicia Keys strikes a sassy pose in black and white geometrical shapes.
Vibrant colors have seized the international runway. Everywhere you turn, there’s a model clad in African print from head to toe (literally). Look at their shoes!
Korto Momolu (pictured right) of BRAVO’s “Project Runway” worketh African fashionism like it hath never been worketh before. Her sense of accessory is fierce!
An example of her work is pictured to the left.
DJ Rashida brings out the ‘come hither’ look in this body-hugging dress with pops of color and optical illusions.
Halle Berry, who literally gets more beautiful as she gets older, rocks an African-style halter top sundress that has a flowy bottom perfect for dancing.
This delectable African-inspired fashion series by designer Vlisco is called “Reflet de Lumiere,” or “Optical Illusion.”
Explore it.
Kimora Lee stands by her African man, Djimon Hounsou, in an elegant gown of primary colors that is anything but elementary. Talk about power and “influence”!
Tyra Banks is giving some fierce face to the camera as she highlights the light, flowy nature of her floor-length gown, which whispers “Africa!”
Fatima Said, the Somalian beauty from “America’s Next Top Model,” luxuriates in a headwrap, bold bangles and a statement necklace.
Beyonce pays homage to the Motherland in her cap sleeve, fitted ensemble with a traditional headwrap. Alicia Keys tops off a black and white pattern with a colorful asymmetrical bow nestled into her mane of curls.
