Many African artists also draw from their own cultural heritage, using traditional patterns and motifs in their work. These ...

Tools and materials can be purchased in bulk quantities at discounted rates from suppliers specializing in ethnic fabrics ...

Just as fashion houses have referenced African prints and hues over the last few seasons, interior designers are drawing on a wealth of crafts like woodworking, pottery, textiles and pattern-making.

Yellow and orange shades are trendy, statement patterns that are in include geometrical, animal, and traditional African motifs.

In 2011, a number of major design houses used African prints and motifs, including Michael Kors, Burberry and Oscar de la Renta. Style writer Robin Givhan singles out designer Haider Ackermann.

Africa has long been a source of inspiration for the design world, from the now ubiquitous black-and-white Beni Ouarain rugs from the mountains of Morocco to the bright wax fabrics from Ghana.

This textile design by George Haité (c 1850) is based on a twisted teardrop shape motif typical of a Paisley pattern. This shape, called a buta, dates back to ancient Persia but became popular in ...