African clothes have various functions; practical (to protect the body, therapeutic properties), symbolic (to indicate a moral stance) and social (to convey a status).
What is remarkable about the collection is its beauty and the range of techniques used: pagnes (wraparounds) made from hand beaten tree bark and decorated with Mbuti motifs by pygmies in the Congo, indigo-dyed textiles from Malian and Guinean secular traditions, bogolan made by the Mandé or Mandigo peoples and wax and bazin fabrics with different motifs that each have a specific meaning.
Each costume, boubou (long robe) and pagne is characteristic of a particular population, village or individual artist. They can become true works of art; a beautiful boubou is only worn at important ceremonies.
Beyond these traditional costumes, African fashion today is a booming industry that reflects modern trends and draws inspiration from tradition as well as catwalks all over the world. This can be seen in the work of numerous stylists and young African designers, while pioneering and trendsetting societies compete with each other to become the most stylish.