Beads and all things pretty: African Fashion, a case of onyoka beads
Lecture and Workshop by Maria Caley and Loini Iizyenda (University of Namibia – UNAM). Organized by the Institute for Education in the Arts, Fashion and Styles.
Oyster shells beads, 2024 (Photographer, John Nandjembo)
African fashion has evolved with African fashion designers now creating Afropolitan Fashion for the global market. ‘African’ beads are a signature element that has evolved capitalized by designers to create ‘African’ fashion. In context, beads played an integral part in the adornment of African traditional clothing. Similarly, beads in Namibian traditional dress enhance the beauty and identity of the wearer. The lecture and workshop aims to highlight the cultural value embedded in the use and production of onyoka, oyster shell beads, to promote innovative sustainable fashion.