African dirndl in every color
At the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany's top beer festival, women wear dirndl – a tradition in the southern German state of Bavaria. Two sisters from Cameroon have given the outfit a new look. They have made the dirndl out of traditional African fabrics and it appears that their creations are a success.
African dirndl in every color
At the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany's top beer festival, women wear dirndl – a tradition in the southern German state of Bavaria. Two sisters from Cameroon have given the outfit a new look. They have made the dirndl out of traditional African fabrics and seem to be well on their way to success.
Dirndl in green
Founding their company in Munich in 2010, within two years the dress makers managed to make the pages of fashion magazine, Vogue. At the time, the first African-Bavarian dirndl was created as a feature piece for a fashion show.
The seamstresses
After making her first African dirndl, Marie Darouiche (right) really got into the world of Bavarian attire. Along with her sister, Rahmee Wetterich (left), they cut and make dirndl themselves.
A combination of African and Bavaria
Lining with polka dots and buttons from Bavaria look great with African fabrics. "Our Dirndl is a homage to both Bavarian and African culture," says designer Rahmee Wetterich. Her brand Noh Nee is now well known in Munich's fashion world.
Celebrities discover African dirndl
Noh Nee's customers come from across the world. Even Munich's celebrities have discovered the African dirndl. Actress Jutta Speidel was among those who donned the African-Bavarian costumes at the Oktoberfest.
Wax fabrics from Holland
The patterns on the material don't come from African designers, but from artists in the Netherlands. The colorful wax print cloths were originally made for the Indonesian market.
Dirndl soon to come from Africa
These dirndl makers are searching for fabric manufacturers in Africa and they would like to see the dresses being made there, too. In autumn 2012, a seamstress will be coming to Munich from Benin to study the art of dirndl making. The hope is she'll pass on her dirndl-making skills to others back home.
A special message...
A real dirndl always has an apron accompanying it. In this picture, traditional 'Kangas' have a special message printed on them. Translated into English, it reads "I'm already spoken for."
Cowrie shells instead of buttons
Some dirndl are adorned with African accessories, like these Cowrie shells. Used in days gone by as a form of money, these shiny shells can be seen today on African jewellery. Making clothes like this is expensive. An African-Bavarian dirndl can cost around 800 euros ($1,031)
All my clothes are colorful
But the high prices do not keep the customers away. Each dress is unique, every belt and petticoat, different. Noh Nee was even asked to make a brightly colored wedding dirndl.
African winter collection
It would be a pity if these stunning African colors were to be put away in a wardrobe at the end of the Oktoberfest. That's why Marie Darouiche and Rahmee Wetterich are working on a winter collection. But for those still wanting to wear their Oktoberfest dress, the two designers suggest wearing a pullover under the dirndl.