Bringing two diverse cultures together: The beauty of Indo-African garments
Indo-African garments are a fusion of Indian and African fabric or attires that show the beauty of blended cultures.
Clothes play a role in culture and show off our diversity.
As designers across the globe look for ways to unify humanity, Verushka Pather, has founded a company that combines Indian and African fabric.
Pather, a South African designer with Indian roots, says she struggled to find the perfect clothes to represent who she was.
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As a result, she came up with Khanya Designs which are a combination of Indian fabrics with patterns signifying the South African culture, a place where Pather was born.
“While South Africa boasts a unique culture of heritage and clothing, I could just never find the perfect fabric that represents who I am,” she told Beautiful News.
She has since collaborated with a diverse group of seamstresses, weavers and beaders. They blend raw Indian silks and Rajasthani jewels with weaves of shweshwe and traditional Zulu beadwork.
“When I say Indo-African, it's the merging of two magnanimous countries,” Pather told Beautiful News.
She says her designs and clothes have allowed her to feel at home.
“Now that I have clothes that finally has its authentic voice, I am home,” she says.
Check out some of her designs below.
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Image courtesy of Beautiful News video screenshot.