Africanfuturism Spectrum in Fashion Design

This paper introduces the africanfuturism spectrum, a novel framework for understanding how africanfuturism can serve as a tool for cultural heritage preservation in fashion design. Building on findings of prior research, the paper focuses on original insights gained through an expanded analysis of case studies and qualitative research. This expanded approach reveals a spectrum of africanfuturistic manifestations in fashion design, ranging between two poles: the scenery pole, emphasizing storytelling, and the operation pole, focusing on human development. Unlike earlier binary classifications, this spectrum captures the fluid and dynamic ways designers and brands navigate between these poles, offering a more nuanced understanding of africanfuturism in contemporary fashion. To illustrate this framework, the paper examines the two poles in depth, featuring diverse case studies of African and African descent designers from multiple countries. These examples demonstrate how intangible cultural heritage is preserved while fostering innovation and addressing global design challenges. By presenting the africanfuturism spectrum as a significant theoretical contribution, this research aims to inspire further exploration of africanfuturism perspectives in fashion and encourage designers to integrate these values into their work. It promotes a decolonial and culturally grounded approach, contributing to the discourse on heritage preservation and creative innovation in fashion design.