If you are a longtime reader of this blog, you probably know that I am obsessed with a certain kind of print. Not too busy, not too colorful, definitely foreign. Liberty prints counts as British, right :)?
I’ve gathered some of my favorite global prints for you to shop, mostly from brands you probably have not heard of previously. Do any of us need any more clothes in our wardrobes? Maybe not. Do we need beautiful prints that will make us happy and support women entrepreneurs and artisans? Always.
Happy Shopping!
Zuri
With gorgeous fabrics sourced all over Africa (see each item’s description for where they found the fabric), Zuri makes one style of dress in sleeveless and long-sleeve. We and our clients are huge fans of this ultra flattering silhouette. The stock is constantly changing so some of these prints may already be gone by the time you click! I encourage you to click through and go through all of their patterns. I once wore my Zuri blue batik patterned dress to speak at my synagogue. No exaggeration, 30 people came up to me afterward to tell me how much they liked my speech, and 25 of them added, “great dress!” immediately afterward.
P.S. At size 6, I wear their size XS. Zuri sizes run from XXS-2X.
Zuri World Wide Web Dress, $145
IndiBlossom
Indiblossom by Anu is a brand we’ve been thrilled to support for years. Anu designs her accessories line in collaboration with her team in India utilizing hand beading and vibrant screen prints. She just launched her website, so you now have access to all her amazing pieces! We are particularly obsessed with her colorful beaded bags. I use this metallic clutch as my goes with everything evening bag.
P.S. You may recognize her star model!
IndiBlossom Travel Kits Peacock, $31.50
IndiBlossom Wings of Flight Clutch, $54
IndiBlossom Square Abstract Silk and Wool Wrap, $54
IndiBlossom Silk Digital Stole Trial, $54
Emerson Fry India Collection
These pieces are made in India with natural fabrics like cotton and linen and dyed using low-impact, ecological dyes. One of our clients has the Zebra patterned kimono. The kimono was definitely a post-pandemic lift your spirits purchase! Why lounge around in a sweatshirt when you could be wearing a Zebra print kimono?
Emerson Fry Francina Caftan, $178
Emerson Caftan-Ink Organic, $178
Mata Traders
Mata Traders is made and designed in India and Nepal, providing education, healthcare, and fair wages to women artisans. They produce gorgeous dresses using block prints and ikat textiles. These are easy pieces, perfect for right now, that won’t leave you feeling frumpy. Mata Traders also carries plus sizes.
Mata Traders Tassel Tie Dress Celestial, $96
Mata Traders Dakota Dress Rainbow Ikat, $92
Mata Traders Chilmark Dress Gold, $94
Mata Traders Dotted Trim Plus Size Dress Coral, $94
Chinero Nnamani
Chinero Nnamani designs her breathtaking textiles with influence from her Nigerian heritage. Not only is each pattern amazing, but a number of pieces are reversible, giving you the ability to have two pattern options with one piece. One of my friends has the most incredible jumpsuits and dresses designed for her when she goes back to Nigeria every summer. This brand may be the closest I get to her fabulous custom pieces!
Chinero Nnamani Ikeogu/Taj Reversible Top African Print, $58
Chinero Nnamani Amai/Soludo Reversible Midi Skirt African Print, $82
Chinero Nnamani Une Royal Sleeves Jacket African Print $105
Chinero Nnamani Inye Vintage-style Dress African Print $59.99
Studio One Eighty Nine
Founded by actress Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah, Studio One Eighty Nine produces African and African-inspired clothing. Their clothing is manufactured in Accra, Ghana using traditional techniques like hand-painting, hand-batiking, indigo-dying, and kente-weaving. The few pieces I am showing you here don’t even begin to showcase this incredible collection. If you are a “fashion person”, you must click through and check out this inspiring collection. This is the real deal.
Studio 189 Indigo Mizuho Wide-Leg Pants, $575
Studio 189 Silk Mandarin Collar Long Sleeve Shirt, $325
Studio 189 Blue Palm Leaf Hand-Batik Silk Caftan $525
Studio 189 Indigo Mandarin Collar Long Sleeve Shirt Dress, $575
Mayamiko
Mayamiko makes small batches of clothing out of textiles from their local market in Malawi. They believe in exclusive and limited supplies to create unique garments and eliminate waste. I love the way they style the clothes on the website, with Birkenstocks, which is how I would really wear them! Next time I’m in the mood for a little something new, this brand will be at the top of my list.
Mayamiko Veronica Maxi Cape, $98.76
Mayamiko Hope Jumpsuit, $112.72
Mayamiko Kuwala Tulip Dress $98.76
What is your favorite global brand? What do you wear to lift your spirits? Let me know in the comments section below!
Real Life Style is a style consulting firm that teaches busy women to wear their power so they can live their lives fully and confidently. Lani Inlander and Kyle Dunphy are based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and serve clients across the country. We offer personal styling services, an on-demand e-course, corporate services, and training to become a personal stylist.
Once in a while, you can find Lani Inlander and Real Life Style on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Mostly, they are happily busy serving their fabulous clients, not hanging out online!
