Vibrant and bold geometric designed wax print fabric can be found throughout Africa. Produced in limited runs, the fabric is traditionally used as wraps and by clothing tailors.
Its origins date back to the 1800s when Dutch merchants inspired by the techniques of Indonesia's batik textile craftsmen, decided to create their own less labor intensive wax print fabric using machines. Printing the design with wax onto lengths of cotton fabric, dying, removing part of the wax, drying then repeating the process several times to achieve a beautiful colourful cloth.
Today this distinctive fabric is produced in both Europe and West Africa, and can been seen on catwalks and in soft furnishings of contemporary interiors.
[Images: 1 Safari Fusion, 2,5,7 Vlisco, 3-4 Soul Arch]
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