TONL x Afrochella: East Meets West Festival Fashion

As Afrochella attendees planned for their trip to Ghana for the festival, what to wear was at the forefront of most of their minds. Festivals are an opportunity for artistic expression. At Afrochella, it is more than just artistic expression; it's a cultural artistic expression. It's opportunity to connect with Ghana and the African continent when it comes to clothing, jewelry, makeup and the like. Though Afrochella took place in Western Africa, attendees came from all over the continent and diaspora like our next featured story: Ribicca Mamuye. Ribicca is a first-generation Ethiopian-American living in America but very connected to her East African heritage and enjoys displaying that in her fashion pieces. Learn more about how Ribicca decided to style herself for her first trip to Afrochella and what fashion pieces she is hoping to uncover during her time in Ghana.

What inspired your festival looks?

My festival looks were inspired by mixing various African styles together. I am wearing a west African Afrikrea dress paired with East African jewelry.

As an Ethiopian-American woman in Western Africa, what fashion pieces are you hoping to add to your collection and why?

I am super excited to buy Ankara, Kente, and Kitenge fabrics from the markets here. Most of the traditional clothes from my culture add print, which we call Tilet(in Amharic), as accidents to solid colors. Prints and patterns are used to achieve full head to toe looks here. The prints remind me of the vibrance and intricacy of the continent. I’ve seen colors that I would never think to paired together in fabrics and absolutely loved them. It’s a testament to how different people across the continent can blend together so beautifully and effortlessly in this gracious land we call Africa.

What trends do you see in festival fashion for the year ahead?

I saw a lot of modern interpretations on traditional wear this year. As the festival continues to grow, I see it becoming a cultural hub for all Africans and African descendants. A place where we can come to enjoy a great event but also teach about our culture as well as learn from others.

Check back for more stories and images from TONL x Afrochella! Shop our collection by searching: TONLxAfrochella or clicking the collection below!