We ship WORLDWIDE from the UK. Do check out our FAQs for more information about shipping.
We noticed you're visiting from United States (US). We've updated our prices to United States (US) dollar for your shopping convenience. Use Pound sterling instead. Dismiss
African Kimono by Serge Mouangue
This collection of beautiful Kimonos is just one element of the work by artist Serge Mouangue. Wafrica is the name of his creative project which explores the fusion and juxtaposition of Japanese and West African aesthetics. The original collection was in collaboration with Kururi, a Tokyo-based kimono- maker and was made from 18 African prints sourced in West African markets.
Serge Mouangue was born in Yaounde, Cameroon and grew up in Paris. A designer and innovator, he studied industrial design before designing automobiles for some major manufacturers. He lived and worked in Japan for a number of years and this is when and where the Wafrica concept was born.
Though visually beautiful, the project explores a lot more than just aesthetics and is not meant to be about fashion or clothing. It explores many different ideas about contrast, traditions, globalisation, collaboration, identity and much more. If you would like to know a little bit more about it there are two great sources for information. Serge is interviewed in this OkayAfrica post and there is also a feature in this Japanese Times article.
Also if you speak french, check out the TED talk below!
Related Posts
Yinka Shonibare ‘The British Library’ at Tate Modern
I finally got to see this installation at the Tate Modern museum amongst other beautiful and engaging artwork. Definitely worth an immersion! This is the work of Yinka Shonibare; to … Read more
African by Design: Form, Pattern and Meaning in African Craft
Mingei International Museum opened African by Design: Form, Pattern and Meaning in African Craft on May 20, 2023. Curated by Mingei Director of Exhibitions and Chief Curator, Emily G. Hanna, … Read more
Social Fabric: African Textiles Today
Social Fabric is a British Museum touring exhibition which explores how the textiles of eastern and southern Africa document the changing times, fashions and tastes of the region. Bringing together kanga from … Read more