African Fashions Meet the Stylish Traveler: Shangani Fashions Contemporary African Collection

During the 2019 New York fashion showcases, Shangani Fashions reimagines fall-winter styling for the modern traveler. The brand emerged on the New York runways starting in 2017 by redefining women’s travel-wear with a contemporary African esthetic that embodies African culture and history. The name is derived from “Shoshangani” which means traveler. And is also an African tribe who dwelled near the Shangani River in Zimbabwe, Africa.

The brand continues these fundamental aesthetics with added features that contribute versatility and luxury for the modern traveler. The introduction of his and her matching style sets are an adorable signature look by Shangani that can add to the romance of any travel get-away. Shangani offers men’s apparel and accessory pieces that often complement the women’s collection. Each look is classic for the metropolitan man. Shangani caters to a “One Size Fits All” approach to different body types. The women’s collection is always multi-functional with added sex-appeal. You will always see showy legs, a peek of cleavage and African fabrics that flow.

Our goal is to reach and inspire a bigger market.” Explains Creative Director, Mary Moore. “Most of our pieces are versatile and can be styled to offer numerous looks. I began adding detachable fur collars within this season’s collection. Traveling is part of my lifestyle and having a garment that transcends climate and seasons is so convenient. I lived in Russia for a few years, and I fell in love with fur during my stay. I have always wanted to work with fur. This season I have applied detachable fur as a luxury feature to the garments.”

Shangani’s showcase includes striking jewelry and leather handbags with bold African prints and contemporary shapes that match the signature garment. The handbags range from cozy clutch purses to colorful handbags for the business traveler. The looks are suitable as traditional ethnic-wear or casual business attire. A mix of modern contemporary shapes and ethnic fabrics for the active traveler is the passion behind Shangani Fashions.

 

 

African Fashions Meet the Stylish Traveler

Shangani Fashion’s debut presentation during New York Fashion Week conveys contemporary cuts that are accented with vintage accessories. Shangani Fashion Designs are a juxtaposition of culture and style. Shangani is an African tribe who dwelled near the Shangani River in Zimbabwe, Africa. The tribe was named after its founder; and the name “Shoshangani” means traveler. Shangani Fashion is a brand inspired by the experience of travel and the exposure of different cultures.
Creations by Shangani’s Designers merge their travel experiences with colorful ethnic prints, and contemporary shapes to create a high fashion, ready-to-wear look. Traditional African fabrics with a modern mix, is the passion behind Shangani Fashions.

The design duo collaborating on the aesthetics are Fashion Designers Elesia Peterman and Mary Moore. Moore is a graduate of the University of Zimbabwe and a world traveler.  “My inspirations are fusions of my cultural, travel experiences and my Zimbabwean heritage and styles. Shoppers will find divers influences from the Caribbean, European and Middle-Eastern expressions in my fashions. I enjoy mixing various African influences with a contemporary cut and shape for a modernized look. And the result is a ready-to-wear brand that is suitable for all occasions” explains Mary Moore.

My creative inspiration comes from a fusion of time, epoch periods and cultures, while remaining Afrocentric“. States Elesia Peterman. “I want our line to show that African print transcends. The looks can be worn strictly as traditional wear, but the looks can also be incorporated in business and everyday casual use. What makes our line unique is that it isn’t just an African meets Western cohesion. Our goal is to reach and inspire a much bigger market. Our line is an international fusion. Also, being a millennial, I feel I can relate with the style trends my peers are excited about.. I want to use clothing design as my voice and demonstration of creativity.

Shangani offers looks for both men and women, and intends to expand the menswear line for upcoming seasons. The garments are wearable for business casual or as formal wear. Depending on the type of garment design, the brand uses one-hundred percent cotton, applied with Dutch Wax print, Denim and other uniquely blended materials of the finest quality. Completing the Afro-inspired look, the Shangani brand also features handcrafted travel handbags and clutch bags. Accessories such as earrings, bracelets and shoes, add a hint of sophistication to an individual’s look.