When I saw this shirt-dress displayed at the Uknown Union store on Loop Street I had to have it. When I saw it I was on my way to Hiddingh Campus and I knew I had to try it on. At first I wasn’t even sure what it was. I was attracted by the design and the fabulous Shuka fabric. I went into the store, and I was served by a lovely gentleman who greeted me in the vernacular and I felt so welcomed in the store. He told me that they are a local brand, Unknown Union, and they make unique fabulous clothes. I could see the unique fabulous clothes as I walked through the store. The store is fresh. It is small, but open. It is cleanly designed, just like their designs. It is contemporary and urban with a mix of African traditional wear, all with a twist. I was wondering about the shirt-dress and the shopping assistant helped me try it on and I fell in love. He saw how much I loved it and immediately offered me a discount. I couldn’t resist. I decided to buy it and now it is one of my prized possessions in my closet.
There are multiple things I love about this number. It’s the bright-yet-dark colour. It is the openness of it and how I can twirl. ๐ It is the shape. It’s really a smart design. I like how I can wear it in the summer or in winter. Summer with my legs showing and in the winter with black tights or knee high boots. I always accessorise my Shuka shirt-dress with beadwork and then I am ready to hit the town. Although it is made for women, with “traditional wear” you can get away with gender bending because contrary to popular belief, African cultures are flexible when it comes to traditional clothing and gender. There is room to be creative with African traditional wear because it is often fluid and accommodating. I hope you enjoy these photographs as much as I enjoyed being a subject in them.
