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Royal Ascot: Best African Print Fashion Moments

When it comes to Royal Ascot, it's more than just a prestigious horse racing event; it's a pinnacle of British fashion. With its deep-rooted traditions and flair for high fashion, Royal Ascot offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the finest styles. In recent years, we've seen a fabulous trend: African print dresses making their way into the limelight at this celebrated event. Let's take a closer look at the standout African print moments from Ascot Fashion Week, offering some inspiration for your next glamorous outing.

The Rise of African Prints at Royal Ascot


The Royal Ascot has always been synonymous with elegance and sophistication. From mother of the bride dresses to cocktail dresses, the event showcases the best of fashion. Recently, African fashion dresses have become a significant part of this scene, blending traditional patterns with modern designs to create show-stopping looks.

Embracing Diversity in Fashion

It's wonderful to see the diversity in fashion being embraced at events like Royal Ascot. African pattern dresses are not just about bold colours and unique prints; they carry rich cultural significance and a history of storytelling through textiles. This fusion of tradition and contemporary style is what makes African prints so captivating.

A Fashion Revelation

I vividly remember my first encounter with African prints at Royal Ascot. African prints started appearing at Royal Ascot relatively recently, around the early to mid-2010s. This change highlighted a shift towards embracing more diverse and inclusive fashion choices at the event. It's a reflection of how the event has evolved to celebrate African fashion influences alongside its traditional formal attire.

Spotlight on Designers


African print fashion wouldn't be where it is today without the visionary designers who bring these patterns to life. At Royal Ascot, we've seen some incredible designs from both African and international designers, each bringing their unique touch to this timeless fabric.

Influential Designers


Designers like Ozwald Boateng and Duro Olowu have been at the forefront, showcasing their collections at high-profile events. Their work not only highlights the beauty of African prints but also places them firmly on the global fashion map. These designers have a keen eye for detail, and their pieces often feature intricate patterns and bold colours that turn heads.

Stunning African Print Outfits


One of the most exciting aspects of Royal Ascot is seeing the Ascot dress choices. The inclusion of African prints has added a new dimension to the event's fashion landscape. Let's delve into some of the most stunning African print outfits spotted at Royal Ascot.

The Showstoppers


- Vibrant African Print Dress: This dress featured a kaleidoscope of colours with a modern twist on traditional patterns. The fitted bodice and flared skirt made it perfect for the Royal Enclosure.
- African Print Tops and Skirts: A combination of African print tops paired with sleek skirts brought a refreshing mix of casual and formal elements. These outfits were both chic and comfortable, ideal for a day at the races.
- Plus Size Dresses: The beauty of African prints is that they look fantastic on all body types. Plus size formal dresses in vibrant African prints stood out, proving that fashion is inclusive.

Styling Tips

- Accessorise Smartly: Pair your African print dress with subtle accessories to let the patterns shine. Think neutral shoes and simple jewellery.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix African prints with other patterns. Stripes and florals can work beautifully with the right balance.
- Confidence is Key: The best accessory to any outfit is confidence. Wear your African print attire with pride and enjoy the admiring glances.

Celebrity Endorsements


Nothing cements a trend more than celebrity endorsements. At Royal Ascot, several celebrities have been spotted in stunning African print outfits, adding glamour and star power to this vibrant trend.

Star-Studded Appearances


- Lupita Nyong’o: Known for her bold fashion choices, Lupita wowed everyone with her African print dress at Ascot. The combination of traditional patterns with a modern cut made her stand out in the crowd.
- Thandie Newton: Thandie’s choice of a sleek African print dress showcased how versatile these designs can be, fitting seamlessly into the high-fashion environment of Royal Ascot.
- Naomi Campbell: Always a trendsetter, Naomi’s African print outfit at Royal Ascot was a blend of sophistication and cultural homage.

Influential Moments on the Ascot "Runway"


Best Prints This Year 

Whether African-inspired or otherwise, the fashion at Ascot Week has seen some breathtaking print designs and floral print moments. These moments have not only highlighted the versatility of prints but also their potential to dominate high fashion. 

Embed from Getty Images

 

Embed from Getty Images

 

Memorable Ascot Runway Highlights


- The Ankara Glamour at African Ladies Day Royal Ascot 2017: Ladies showcasing African fashion in all its colourful glory. We had too much fun attending the Royal Ascot in colourful African Print hats and dresses. 

 

Styling Tips: Incorporating African Prints into Your Wardrobe


Integrating African prints into your everyday style can be both fun and stylish. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of this trend.


Accessorise Smartly

- Jewellery: Opt for minimalist jewellery to let the bold prints take centre stage.
- Shoes: Neutral-toned shoes work best with vibrant African prints. Think beige, black, or white.

Mix and Match

- Layering: Combine African print tops with solid-coloured skirts or pants for a balanced look.
- Patterns: Don’t be afraid to mix African prints with other patterns like stripes or polka dots. Just ensure there’s a cohesive colour scheme.

Confidence is Key

No matter what you wear, confidence is your best accessory. Embrace the boldness of African prints and wear them with pride.

Where to Shop for African Prints in London


If you’re inspired to incorporate African prints into your wardrobe, London offers plenty of options. Shopping in London, you can find boutiques that specialise in chic African attire.

Top Boutiques and Stores

- A A K S: Located in Chelsea, this boutique offers a range of African print dresses and accessories.
- Sika Designs: Known for their high-quality African prints, Sika Designs in Mayfair is a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts.
- Dovetailed: We are situated in Poplar Studios and offer hand-made African print designer fashion. Our unique pieces blend traditional African patterns with contemporary designs, are perfect for making a statement at high-profile events like Royal Ascot. Come shop with us and enjoy 20% off your purchase.
- African Clothing Near Me: A quick search for "African clothing near me" will lead you to numerous stores across London offering authentic African prints.

Conclusion


The inclusion of African prints at Royal Ascot 2024 is a testament to the evolving landscape of fashion. From Ascot Ladies Day to the Royal Enclosure, African prints have added a new layer of vibrancy and cultural richness to this historic event. Whether you’re shopping for wedding guest dresses, plus size formal dresses, or simply want to add some colour to your wardrobe, African prints offer endless possibilities. So, why not make a statement at the next Royal Ascot week with a stunning African print dress?

Embrace the trend, and who knows, you might just become the next fashion icon at Ascot 2024. Share your favourite African print moments from Royal Ascot and inspire others to explore this beautiful and bold fashion trend.

Ready to elevate your style at Royal Ascot 2024? Discover the allure of African print dresses, skirts, scarves, headbands and more at Dovetailed.

Royal Ascot isn't just about horse racing—it's a showcase of British fashion at its finest. Embrace this prestigious event with our collection of designer African print pieces. From vibrant Ankara patterns to intricate designs, each garment celebrates craftsmanship and creativity, ensuring you stand out with elegance and cultural richness.
Remember, you can visit us in person to try on our beautiful clothes. Plus, enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on all in-store purchases by booking a slot here

We are open Monday to Friday 11 am - 7 pm, Saturday 10 am - 5 pm.


Join the trend that's reshaping high fashion. Shop at Dovetailed today and enjoy 20% off your purchase. Let your wardrobe speak volumes at royal or casual events with our unique blend of traditional African prints and contemporary flair.

Don't miss out—visit us at Poplar Studios and embrace the beauty of African fashion.

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