Fashion Threaded In Tradition?

For many women fashion is a form of expression. For some, it’s a tribute, a heritage and a reminder of significant people who came before them. In this feature, we spotlight a young Malawian woman, Asante, whose love for traditional African fashion, particularly cultural pieces like Chilundu dresses—was sparked by her grandmother. Through bold prints and heartfelt intention, she stitches together a fashion story that blends the past and the present in spirit and style.

As a founder of a fashion brand called IX Threads (which goes by Threads Beyond Fashion’s Trends as the brand motto), Asante’s fashion journey didn’t begin with glossy magazines or runways. It began in her late grandmother’s home. “What inspired my love for African fashion was my grandmother, who had a very African fashion sense” she said. She also said that her traditional aura including how she carried herself and dressed left a permanent mark on her. Therefore, growing up as she watched her granny transform fabric into statements, she was moved greatly especially when she would pair her chinkhoswe outfits. From the patterns of the clothes to the way they fitted her, one could easily tell how fashionable and full of taste she was.

Having that in mind, it’s no surprise that Asante’s own style is deeply rooted in cultural expression. Her aesthetic also blends in her values and modern influences as she emphasized that her identity shapes her style by mixing cultural elements like Ankara prints with modern trends like minimalism. She also said, “you will see me in Afro hair, headwraps and braids as well as rocking bold colors and modern fonts. It reflects my values, my heritage and my faith. I like to keep it modest, because let’s not forget—I’m Christian.”

Additionally, when asked to describe her style in three words, she did not hesitate to say minimalistic, modest and afro. She also continued by saying for her, less is more; that she feels like riding too much on a piece takes the soul away from it.

Creating a look for Asante is more about capturing her emotions than following trends. She lets the fabric guide her—its patterns and textures speak to her. There’s no deliberate attempt to blend modern fashion with tradition; often, she simply dresses according to her mood. She further admits to incautiously balancing modern trends with tradition. The response from people is always striking that they stare and gasp at the sight of a woman in floor-length clothing, something uncommon in this generation. Still, she embraces it with confidence.

Despite her pride in cultural fashion, she’s concerned about its decline among the youth. Traditional African fashion is losing its place by being overshadowed by Western influences. For instance, Ankara-themed engagements are becoming rare, replaced by color codes and sometimes Pinterest-inspired aesthetics. It’s a shift she believes needs to be addressed.

Through her fashion, she wants to send a message to young women. One that speaks about self-worth and sacredness. “I know your body is your body and your choice—but baby, your body is a temple. Cover it up more.” As for the future, she dreams big. She sees her brand going global and believes to transition from bespoke fashion to ready-to-wear lines that still carry the essence of our culture.

In a world where fashion trends move fast and tradition risks being forgotten, her story is a reminder of the power of cultural pride. Her style isn’t just about clothes—it’s about legacy, values and identity. And as she walks in the footsteps of her grandmother, one thing is certain: every thread she wears tells a story. A story of where she comes from, who she is and the woman she’s becoming