Maasai-Inspired Ensemble

Flashback Summer: Maasai-Inspired Ensemble, 1940s intercultural vintage shuka

Have you ever had one of those outfit ideas that stays in your head for weeks, months, or even years?  You mull it over in your mind and figure out every little detail until, finally... it is time.  I've probably been pondering this particular idea for about two years!

Flashback Summer: Maasai-Inspired Ensemble, 1940s intercultural vintage shuka

Flashback Summer: Maasai-Inspired Ensemble, 1940s intercultural vintage shuka

In my case, it was finally time to cut the fabric that inspired me in the first place, a Maasai shuka.  As I explained in my last post, my sister gave me this blanket when she came back to the U.S. from Kenya.  It didn't get much use as it was, and I wanted to make into something that could be worked into my daily life more often.  Obviously, my go-to is clothing!

Flashback Summer: Maasai-Inspired Ensemble, 1940s intercultural vintage shuka

Flashback Summer: Maasai-Inspired Ensemble, 1940s intercultural vintage shuka

I turned the shuka into a pencil skirt, and I made a blouse to coordinate.  I didn't want to make just a plain top; I wanted it to reflect the Maasai heritage of the skirt.  I was afraid that without a bit more uniqueness, the skirt would just look like another plaid skirt.

I will get more into the sewing details and specific inspiration behind the blouse and skirt in the next two posts (as well as how you can create and/or buy your own versions!), but until then, check out my overview post about Maasai culture and aesthetics, and here is the first group of ensemble photos!

Flashback Summer: Maasai-Inspired Ensemble, 1940s intercultural vintage shuka

Flashback Summer: Maasai-Inspired Ensemble, 1940s intercultural vintage shuka

Flashback Summer: Maasai-Inspired Ensemble, 1940s intercultural vintage shuka

Stay tuned for the next posts, and feel free to read more about the Maasai in the extra reading here!

11 comments

  1. Truly beautiful. I enjoyed your last post as well with some more in depth informationVery interesting.

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  2. I love the combination! Is that a collar on the shirt? Or a beaded necklace?

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    1. It's a collar on the shirt! My next post will give details as well as ways you can recreate this look!

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  3. It's absolutely beautiful Emileigh!

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  4. This is just spectacular. What an elegant and truly beautiful way to pay homage to an incredible African culture. You're really created something marvelous here, dear Emileigh.

    ♥ Jessica

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  5. This is great! I love the bright colors of the plaid and the coordinated beading on the blouse. Looking forward to reading about the details. :)
    -Emily

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  6. I think you did a beautiful job creating something that both fit your inspiration - the Maasai culture, and the blanket your sister gave you - and was distinctly you, with the very 40s silhouette. I know cultural appropriation is always a concern these days, but I think you sidestepped the issue both by giving due credit to the culture you were inspired by, and by using the textiles in a respectful but unique way.
    Zella Maybe

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    1. Thank you for the kind words! I won't lie, the idea of cultural appropriation is so, so sticky to me. There are SO many opinions, and it's quite a mine field. I am trying to be respectful, but I'm sure there are a million and one opinions on what that respect should actually look like.

      Here's an interesting article. I wouldn't say that all of it rings true in my personal experience or outlook, but it has definitely made me think and makes a lot of good points:
      https://omakokha.wordpress.com/2015/01/06/the-problem-with-white-people-who-dress-african/

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  7. This is a stunning outfit. I think it is a lovely way to get more use out of the blanket that your sister gave you.

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