Shipley Art Gallery

From fabrics and patterns to colours and cuts, African styles have long been a source of inspiration for designers across the world.  This exhibition will explore the influence of traditional African beadwork on contemporary fashion. The showcased designers have been inspired to create clothes and accessories which reflect creative opportunities generated through global cultural exchange.

Exhibition highlights include a display of new work by South African fashion designer Laduma Ngxokolo and two embellished dresses by Nigerian fashion designer Jewel by Lisa, who displayed her S/S 12 collection at New York Fashion Week.

The exhibition also includes a garment by leading Kenyan fashion designer Poisa and knitwear by Buki Akib, who's debut menswear collection is inspired by Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, along with a striking item by South African designer Black Coffee and beaded jewellery by Broken Fab.

Street style fashion is explored through a series of photographs by Nontsikelelo Veleko, who lives and works in Johannesburg, and DIY fashion crew the 'Smarteez' feature in a film by Chris Saunders.

This display complements Journeys in Beadwork: Culture and Tradition in the Eastern Cape; an exhibition exploring the fascinating history of South African beadwork.