Celebrities in Dashiki Trends At New York Fashion Week Omi Woods Brings Hollywood Style to The Runway

Designer Ashley Alexis McFarlane brought a hint of African culture to New York runways with her boutique brand Omi Woods – formerly Asikere Afana. Her New York Fashion Week SS’ 16  collection features traditional Dashiki tops for men, in addition to Dashiki dresses for women.

From the bosom of Beyoncé, to the chiseled backs of rap Oba (Yoruba word for King) Wizkid and other celebrities such as Chris Brown, Dashikis have made a stylish modern comeback and is hitting the runways. A style staple of the African past, the Dashiki has recently been filling the closets of the western world, popping up at music festivals and red carpets.

The roots of McFarlane’s designs however, go far deeper than the contemporary trend. Originally called ASIKERE AFANA (pronounced: ah.see.che.rey  ah.fawna), this brand is a sensual blend of African-inspired fashion, timeless trends and curated textiles. Made in Ghana with 100% cotton and fair trade. The meaning behind Asikere Afana translates into ‘sugar cane machete’ in the Akan Twi language. It is an ode to MsFarlene’s Caribbean roots. Albeit stylish and on trend – hence the Dashikis – the brand is very much rooted in sustainability: supporting local seamstresses and manufacturers through the principles of fair trade.

McFarlane continues to work towards developing West Africa as a hub for small-scale, sustainable and equitable clothing production for the globe; and keeping the West stylishly clothed and in trend too.

Visit www.omiwoods.com for more info or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @omiwoods.

Africa Fashion Week

A social enterprise: a platform for trade, marketing and development of multicultural brands inspired by Africa through ethical practices and fashion. Made from the need to bridge the gap, connect continents, and provide a platform for international retailers and designers worldwide.