LINDSAY ORD
Baubles, bangles, beads… crafters from the African Art Centre (AAC) have turned traditional, colourful beads into high fashion and their Urban Zebra Collection is on show at the centre’s exhibition until April 17.
“Beadwork is considered to be the most popular craft in KwaZulu-Natal and our centre has held several workshops for unemployed women, culminating in the Urban Zebra Collection,” said Sharon Crampton, director of the AAC. “Traditionally, beads are worn by people from almost all cultural backgrounds, often as trendy, fashionable accessories. In the Zulu culture, however, they have various symbolic functions embedded in colour combinations, patterns and design.”
Zulu jewellery is designed to be eye catching and colourful, but, traditionally, it was not purely decorative, said Crampton.
Many men and women still wear jewellery as a sign of tribal identity, for religious causes, and to indicate social and marital status. In some cases, husbands give their wives bracelets or different beads and belts to indicate that they are newly wed or married.
The Urban Zebra Collection is fun, versatile, and affordable, with prices ranging from R29 to over R500. It will appeal to women and girls of all ages and cultures and it can be dressed up or down.
You can wear it to the beach, a breakfast or the boardroom, or team a stunning neckpiece with a plain, elegant evening dress. It can be mixed and matched easily by selecting different pieces in contrasting colours.
The centre is working on a new range of jewellery that will be launched at a winter fashion show in collaboration with Durban designer Bianca Warren at the end of May.
The Urban Zebra Collection can be seen at the African Art Centre, 94 Florida Road, Durban. Call 031 312 3805.