Africa does not stop inspiring us. After the wax, it is another African fabric, the bogolan that conquers fashion and decoration. Geometric and ethnic motifs, sober colors and unique style ... we love it already!

What is bogolan?

Bogolan is a textile printing technique originating from Africa, and more precisely from the northern region of Bamako, Mali . To make it, woven cotton is used, which is dyed by dipping it in a bath of tree leaves containing a high concentration of tannin. Then the patterns are made freehand on the fabric using mud. It is the chemical reaction between the ferric oxide (contained in the sludge) and the tannic acid (from the dyeing) which will make it possible to obtain the black color characteristic of bogolan. Once the sludge dries, the fabric is rinsed with water. The soaking process with the sludge is repeated several times depending on the desired black intensity. At the end, the desired areas are whitened with a mixture containing soda. So it is a relatively long and complex process that does not produce astronomical quantities and prices are high. Result? Commercially available 'bogolan' fabric is not necessarily produced in Mali.

How to adopt the trend at home?

What we like? The simple and geometric patterns, the little ethnic touch, true trend 2017, and colors. For all those who had felt a little helpless against the flamboyant colors of wax, bogolan is the perfect alternative . Mixing black, white, ocher and all the variations of brown, this fabric is easier to adopt than its multicolored cousin. We have a preference for 100% black & white fabrics, very graphic. Easy to adopt and match they are of the best effect in the living room or the bedroom. Once the perfect fabric is found, it is declined in cushion cover, plaid, bed linen, curtain for dressing, chair cover ... At your sewing machines!

And find even more inspiration in our slideshow !