#Umbhaco

[portraits-of-afrikan-beauty]

Born 26 September 1936 #Mama #Winnie #Nomzamo #Madikizela #Mandela #HappyHeavenlyBirthday #beadwork #iqhiya

[iinkonde]

UMBHACO

What is Umbhaco • Umbhaco is a material used in South African traditional clothing for dresses in formal and informal ceremonies. It is extremely durable cotton that’s made to last. Umbacho can be used for traditional dress, but can also be applied in modern fashion. It is usually black and white.

Part of the rich tradition of umbhaco is the incorporation of beadwork into garments and this has been a major form of aesthetic expression for nearly 200 years. Some beadwork and clothing, such as the long dress, beaded bags, and lacy looking collars worn by some Xhosa speaking people were influenced by white settlers. It was the artists(designers) themselves however, who invented most conventional designs, patterns and techniques used in beadwork. Traditional Xhosa dress is still valued and worn as a sign of respect to the ancestors.

[somdyala]

Settler’s Rest, 2022-2023. 

Variable dimensions

Umbhaco and sea salt  

More from my residency at Nirox Sculpture Park; got to play in the beautiful studio space by reinterpreting an ongoing work.  

[sos-ndebele]

Section 2: Fashion Range

2.1 Conceptual Framework: The fashion range developed by Nkosana embodies the essence of Ndebele mural paintings and the visual language presented in Ditema tsa Dinoko. This collection seeks to harmonize traditional aesthetics with contemporary design, creating garments that celebrate Ndebele artistry while captivating the modern fashion audience. The range comprises four key categories: apparel, accessories, footwear, and jewelry.

2.2 Apparel: The apparel collection embraces the vibrant colors, geometric patterns, and symbolic motifs found in Ndebele mural art. Silhouettes are inspired by both traditional Ndebele attire, such as the isicholo headpiece and the umbhaco dress, as well as contemporary fashion trends. Bold prints and meticulous embroidery techniques are employed to replicate the intricate details of Ndebele wall paintings. Fabrics are carefully selected to ensure both visual impact and comfort, with references to sustainable materials and innovative textiles that align with the ethos of major fashion brands focused on ethical fashion.

References:

The use of traditional attire and contemporary silhouettes can be observed in the work of South African designer Laduma Ngxokolo for his brand Maxhosa Africa, which celebrates Xhosa heritage through modern knitwear designs (Ngxokolo, 2019).

Sustainability and innovative textiles are integral to the collections of Stella McCartney, who incorporates ethical and eco-friendly materials into her designs, setting an example for sustainable fashion practices (Stella McCartney, 2020).

2.3 Accessories: The accessories collection complements the apparel range, showcasing Ndebele-inspired motifs in various forms. Handbags, clutches, and belts feature intricate beadwork and embroidery, incorporating vibrant colors and geometric patterns synonymous with Ndebele art. Footwear designs draw inspiration from traditional Ndebele beadwork, with intricately beaded sandals and modern reinterpretations of moccasins and veldskoene. The use of sustainable materials, such as upcycled leather and natural fibers, aligns with the values of major fashion brands committed to environmental responsibility.

References:

The incorporation of traditional craft techniques in accessories can be observed in the work of Colombian designer Silvia Tcherassi, known for her artisanal handbags and intricate embellishments (Tcherassi, 2018).

Sustainability in footwear design is exemplified by brands like Veja, which utilizes eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods in their sneakers (Veja, 2020).

2.4 Jewelry: The jewelry collection captures the essence of Ndebele cultural adornment, featuring statement pieces that reflect the geometric patterns and intricate beadwork seen in Ndebele mural art. Necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are crafted using a combination of traditional beadwork techniques and contemporary metalwork. Precious metals, gemstones, and vibrant beads are incorporated to create striking and symbolic designs that pay homage to Ndebele heritage. The jewelry range also explores sustainable practices, such as the use of ethically sourced materials and responsible manufacturing processes.

References:

The integration of traditional craft techniques and contemporary design in jewelry can be seen in the work of Nigerian jeweler Adele Dejak, known for her bold and innovative pieces that draw inspiration from African heritage (Dejak, 2019).

Sustainable practices in jewelry design are exemplified by brands like Chopard, which champions responsible sourcing of precious metals and gems in their creations (Chopard, 2021).

By incorporating these design elements and referencing the practices of major international fashion brands, Nkosana's fashion range embraces the rich cultural heritage of Ndebele mural art and Ditema tsa Dinoko, ensuring a collection that is both aesthetically captivating and academically grounded.

[afriqokinworld]

Beautiful Xhosa Bride and Groom @xhosabrides ❤ African Fashion? Then the AfriqOkin app is perfect for you! Click the link below For More  information 👉🏾http://onelink.to/dut9rz #afriqokin #AfricanFashionApp #AfricanFashion #AfricanPrint #AsoEbi #bellanija #lindaikeji #asoebibella #umbhaco #mbhaco #traditionalwedding #xhosa #xhosabride #weddingdress #southafica #southafricanwedding #wedding #love #bridalgown #bride #africanfashion #proudlyxhosa #proudlyafrican #african #regrann https://www.instagram.com/p/CCqzAhgpK9l/?igshid=rxu65md8vam5

[kwezirameses]

NEW PAINTING PHESHEYA KWE NKXANKXASHE #paintings #portrait #acrylic #queen #africanqueens #Xhosa #royalty #umbhaco #imbola #intsimbi #isidanga #iqhiya #nkxaknxashe https://www.instagram.com/p/CAKsH5yj2ej/?igshid=1th6upsz9j461

[todaysclothingsa]

Wedding Day 1 in Santorini: - “Coming to America / Traditional meets glam in my isiXhosa ensemble! 🤍💫 - Designed by Me. _____________ #officiallymnkile #wedding #weddingphotography #xhosaattire #umbhaco #comingtoamerica (at Santorini) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUP0wpnsoIp/?utm_medium=tumblr

[meettheinternet]

Beautiful smile too 📸@siz_theart #smile #xhosa #kazi #photography #theart #black #white #heritage #dignity #umbhaco

[mvwordz]

#Umbhaco #WordProDesigns #AfricaMonth #Ungxawu https://www.instagram.com/p/BxVS8bohjI7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bdtxg1cwzhx7

[somdyala]

A Pound of Flesh, 2022

Umbhaco fabric, Atlantic sea salt, rope, painted breeze blocks

Variable

Possibly my favourite work that I’m responsible for. Biggest thanks to Lemmeze Davids and Thobile Ndenze at blank projects for the space to try this out too. 

[nandefaith]

My tent dress collection. This style is perfect for an african theme ocassion, it is fitting to be worn on Xhosa traditional occasions. The black lines and buttons are normally seen on umbhaco (traditional dress).

[afriqokinworld]

Beautiful, 💋🖤 @xhosabrides Bride @miss_lira 👗 @scalodesigner Designers, Tailors or Accessory makers, expand your customer base and global reach by registering on this African fashion App #AfriqOkin, it's free 2 download on google play and Apple app stores. Click here to download👉🏽: http://onelink.to/aptvqj  or check in the bio for the link! #afriqokin #AfricanFashionApp #AfricanFashion #AfricanPrint #AsoEbi #bellaniaja #AsoEbi #asoebibella  #umbhaco #mbhaco #traditionalwedding #xhosa #xhosabride #weddingdress #southafica #southafricanwedding #wedding #love #bridalgown #bride #africanfashion #proudlyxhosa #proudlyafrican #african https://www.instagram.com/p/B786mPQpzqW/?igshid=nar791t2abit

[irunjhb]

I RUN JHB Umbhlaselo wesi Zulu and Umbhaco wakwa Xhosa pieces on this image. I RUN JHB celebrates South African traditional culture.

Models: Niyi_D and Lady Karabo

Photographer: Mr Tiyane Baloyi

[brandonimhotep]

"UMBHACO" is the name for Traditional dress of XHOSA (pronounced "cosa") women in #SouthAfrica. https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ8T52ggoKy/?igshid=y1opgijqqjr3

[meettheinternet]

Rain queen♕ 📸@siz_theart #photography #black #white #heritage #dignity #umbhaco #streets #xhosa #woman

[mvwordz]

#Umbhaco #WordProDesigns #AfricaMonth #Ungxawu https://www.instagram.com/p/BxVSw1xBRrZ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1eq9ji7rdkntj