Mabwe African Print Chevron Turtleneck Midi Dress

Cosy wear goes African! This gorgeous turtleneck is so comfy and soft against the skin and will look stunning on any shape silhouette. Featuring a distinctive pattern on the front and sleeves which is reminiscent of the geometric patterns – diamonds, triangles, lozenges, triangles, zigzags, chevrons, dots, circles, curved lines, waves and spirals which are iconic features in African print, arts and design.

To layer or not… that is your choice! Whichever way you choose, you can dress this piece up or down. Pair with a smart jacket and boots for a more formal look or go all casual with a denim jacket and canvas shoes for the ultimate casual look. Check out the product images for styling inspiration and bag yourself a beautiful piece!

Design Features
Style – Smart casual
Pattern Type: Geometric – ‘Mabwe’ inspired (see design inspiration)
Neckline: Turtleneck stand up collar
Sleeve Length: Long sleeve
Length: Midi
Fit Type: Regular fit
Fabric: Polyester with slight Stretch

Care Instructions
Hand or machine wash

 Design Inspiration

Africa has a wealth of patterns featured in art, crafts, fabric design and ancient architecture too. Repetitive shapes and colours, textures and lines are often laid out in all sorts of intriguing arrangements. Linear and organic geometric patterns featuring diamonds, triangles, lozenges, triangles, square chequerboard, parallel zig zags, chevrons, dots, circles, curved lines or waves and spirals are the most used shapes. Arranged repeatedly in vertical or horizontal rows, they can be interchanged or scaled up or down for dramatic effects like the pattern featured on the Mabwe African print cosy turtleneck midi dress:

The name ‘Mabwe’ is derived from the Shona phrase ‘dzimba dzemabwe’ which means ‘houses of stone’ or ‘stone buildings’. The most iconic ‘dzimba dzemabwe’ is Great Zimbabwe –  the ruins of the ancient capital of the Munhumutapa Empire near the present day town of Masvingo in Zimbabwe. Chevrons and zigzags feature distinctively in the architectural design of the Great Zimbabwe walls as shown below:

Chevron stone pattern, Great Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe has a rich history, not only of architectural achievement, innovation, cooperation and economic prosperity, but also of conflict, trials and tribulations.  

Did you know?
The Southern African country Zimbabwe derives its name from ‘dzimba dzemabwe’ or “houses of stone” in Shona. Its use as the country’s name is in tribute to Great Zimbabwe, the site of the capital of the ancient Munhumutapa Empire.