This pictorial survey is arranged visually with a focus on design, particularly color and pattern. The fabric is contemporary, most made of cotton primarily in Africa commercially, and many designs are printed adaptations of traditional African woven textiles. The designs can serve as a reference and inspiration to artists and designers of fabric and fashion. There are complex and abstract patterns, florals, pictorials, animal and figural themes.

The fabrics here are African designs, made primarily in Africa, commercially, rather than by traditional methods. Most are contemporary, made of cotton; though varieties of rayon, wool, a blend, or synthetic also are present, as well as fabric with metallic thread or surface embellishment. Many examples are printed adaptations of traditional woven textiles, because the pattern and color and their effect are the essential qualities. This volume, arranged visually with a focus on design, color, and pattern, is a pictorial survey, which includes examples of simple, bold two and three-color designs, stripes, grid formats, and overall geometric patterns. The pictures serve as reference and inspiration to artists, designers, and all involved with fashion and fabric. The companion volume, African Prints, complements the designs featured in this book.

From one-of-a-kind hand made fashion to commercially made highly decorative apparel, wearable art has become an important category for both collectors of vintage costume and of unique contemporary fashion. This book, with more than 500 color photographs, is the first to cover both vintage and new wearable art. Chapters on different categories of apparel present this compelling topic at its best. Not necessarily museum art, but real wearable creations, from the antique to the present, the creations presented in this book complimented by an extensive illustrated glossary, bibliography, and a value guide will delight anyone interested in fashion, art, and the unusual and beautiful.