Abaya with Dashiki Inspired Print on Black Background with Lace Embellishment

Africa - Northern Africa

Abaya with Dashiki Inspired Print on Black Background with Lace Embellishment

Sizes: M, XL, XL (relaxed), 2XL

Opacity: 3

Sleeve: Cropped

Elasticity: The fabric has no elastic content, however the cotton component of the fabric will slowly stretch to your shape (similar to the way denim stretches to fit the wearer).

Dashiki is a term most people will come across at some point. It is often used in the West to describe a cotton shirt that has a V shaped design that starts on the shoulders and joins at the chest. This design has come to represent African pride and is of particular importance to African Americans. However, the design we often call dashiki is actually only half a design that has many names, but is most commonly known as Angelina. This print has a central circle with two “wings” coming from the circle. It creates an elongated lozenge shape. It is well known that dashiki shirts have their origins in West Africa and were designed by a Dutch designer who was inspired by embroidered shirts worn by Ethiopian women. But the part of this narrative not so widely reported is that Ethiopians are generally devout Coptic Christians and the embroidered design that inspired the dashiki was in fact a stylised Coptic crucifix. This dress moves away from the mass-produced dashiki (Angelina) design and returns to the more embellished version of the Ethiopian tradition.

But of course, Africans never stop at one tradition. They are members of a truly sharing multicultural society. As such, we see this symbol significant to Coptic Christians, appearing on an abaya - a form of dress developed by and for Muslims. The elongating nature of abayas is reinforced by the use of delicate, intricate lace that not only highlights the scrollwork in the Angelina pattern, but also elongates the wearer’s body, creating a feminine, elegant and sophisticated feminine look.

We never cease to be amazed at the cultural diversity so beautifully evident in African fashion. It embodies everything we here at Myriad Modest Fashion believe in. We are all made better, stronger and more aware of the beauty of diversity if we live and wear that diversity! Please enjoy this simply beautiful and highly symbolic dress.

Measurement of Garment in centimeters (Bust):

M - 95

XL - 105

2XL - 110

3XL - 115