African prints are some of the most recognizable print fabrics in fashion. Their style is unmistakable owing to their mix of patterns, colours and the unique finish of wax prints. With simple and complex motifs in multiple layers, African wax prints are often a kaleidoscope of colour and forms that seem to drift in and out of the foreground.

Some wax print motifs are iconic here in Nigeria. The peacock print you see on the left is one of many such print designs. The star print and broom print are also very popular and never go out of style. The Dashiki print is popular within and beyond Africa too. It features intricate panel prints of African motifs usually centered in each yard of the fabric.

With so much variety and colour, it’s easy to see why African prints are catching on everywhere.

This classic pattern, found in ancient greek as well as asian art, is a popular decorative pattern. It is often used in fashion design and home decor. In recent years, it has become iconic for the Versace fashion brand. Infact, I bet the word that came to mind when you saw the image above was ‘Versace’.

Greek keys can be used as border patterns or all-over patterns. Its appeal has to do with its geometric form, its symmetry and the way it leads the eye on a simple yet intriguing journey along the border of the object it decorates. Did you know that greek keys can be used to design mazes? Figures!

This pattern is beautiful and oh so lovely. It also happens to be iconic for another fashion brand. Yes, you guessed it – Chanel!

Known as the quilt or quilted pattern, Matelassé is also the name of a traditional french fabric.

According to an article in Jewellery Historian, issue #18 [page 33, ISSUU], Coco Chanel simply loved the Matelassé pattern. This diamond or square quilt pattern has inspired many classic Chanel pieces and is also said to have inspired the latest Chanel haute joallierie collection. Wow!

Conversational prints are prints that feature recognizable objects or things from pop culture. Popular motifs from the 2015 – 2016 fashion scene include cats, birds, rabbits, owls, apples and strawberries.

I imagine the name for this type of pattern has to do with how its motifs, popular or not, become a subject of conversation and an endearing feature of designs. They’re a bit kitschy and often cute too.

Damask is an abstract floral and ornamental pattern, named after the Syrian city of Damascus. That was where the silk fabric from which this pattern is named was produced.

It is a pattern that translates beautifully in almost every area of design. Home decor, Fashion and digital design exploit its unique ornamental style and geometric symmetry in various ways. It also happens to be a personal favourite.

Paisley patterns are stylized floral patterns that are considered a feature of classic Prairie girl fashion. They go with peasant tops and tunics like strawberries and cream. This association with tunics also has to do with its origin.

In the part of Asia where it originates, the paisley shape is known as Boteh. Its rich history and connection to tradition explains why it is still one of the most popular decorative motifs in that part of the world.

Paisley patterns have made a strong comeback this season, featuring worlds away from prairie charm & boho chic. While our appetite for Paisley patterns will wax and wane, in parts of India, Iran, Uzbekistan and Azerbajan, Paisley patterns (Boteh I should say) are timeless.

In some ways, the herringbone looks like a chevron and is considered a type of chevron. Its style and feel is quite different though. Unlike the chevron which is now a pop culture classic, the herringbone is still mostly a formal classic. It is the weave pattern we often encounter in expensive tweed coats and tailored jackets.

A quiet pop culture makeover (or should I say ‘Takeover’) of this pattern is in progress. And it seems the sporting shoes industry is leading the way. In what must be a classic twist to the athleisure trend, there are quite a few canvas shoes sporting plain and stylized herringbone patterns.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover this fabulous pair of ladies’ loaders. It’s covered in a British style of herringbone. While it’s not exactly old school, it’s sporty & definitely posh!

What do you know about the Houndstooth effect? It’s the instant air of class this pattern lends to everything it touches. [See more]

Whether it’s a skirt, blouse, scarf, bomber jacket, canvas shoes or throw pillow, if it sports the houndstooth pattern, it is classy – End of story.

Question: What do Houndstooth and Argyle have in common? If you’re from the British Isles you probably know the answer.

Did you know that Argyle and Houndstooth both originated in Scotland? Argyle sweaters and socks are favourites across borders and cultures. Like Plaids, they are considered preppy though when colourful, they can be funky and playful too.

Argyle patterns are not restricted to knit wear (not any more). These days, any print that has diamond shapes or outlines in 2 or more colours is considered an Argyle print. Argyle print clothes can be posh as with the classic argyle sweater, or abstract & sophisticated as with this shirt.