In Honour Of African Women : Vlisco Celebrates 170th Anniversary

Vlisco’s story began in 1846, when founder Pieter Fentener van Vlissingen started the company in the Netherlands.

The brand Vlisco officially turned 170 years old on the 15th of August, 2016. Having a strong connection with Africa, the brand is marking the big event by honouring African women, who have played indispensible successful roles. Throughout the rest of the year Vlisco will host activities to inspire, interact and engage with their customers.

The campaign

In celebration of this anniversary, Vlisco pays tribute to all African women who have always cherished and adored its fabrics. Vlisco honours their passion for authentic Wax Hollandais and feels privileged to be a part of their rich culture. They are also grateful for the women’s creativity of turning Vlisco fabrics into elegant and stylish fashion.

Vlisco also uses this medium to THANK their valued trade partners, who have always been with them on their journey. With their expertise and insights they’ve helped in creating exclusive Vlisco fabrics for specific markets. These trade partners even endorsed Vlisco designs with names and special meanings.

As part of the celebration, Vlisco asked 8 women from 6 different countries in Central and West Africa to be the faces of the 170 Years campaign. Including the world famous, Grammy winning African singer Angelique Kidjo. For Nigeria, Hajia Zainab Bako Oriola (an Abuja-based businesswoman), Mrs. Celestina Obasi (a Vlisco distributor based in Onitsha), Ejiro Amos-Tafiri (a Lagos-based fashion designer) were selected. Through their inspiring stories, Vlisco is celebrating the pride, perseverance and strength of African women who share their passion for Vlisco and their commitment to society.

“The positivity African women bring to society is incomparable.

Their resilience, their elegance and their beauty are magnificent.

They are the first to wake up and the last to go to bed.

They are the backbone of Africa” – Angelique Kidjo

Campaign images and film

The beautiful campaign images are photographed by Patrovsky & Ramone in a 18th century building in Amsterdam, the Netherlands as a reference to the brand’s Dutch heritage. The set was decorated with flowers for a celebratory note and the women were each dressed by a designer from their respective countries to suit their own personality and unique style.

Along with these photos, the inspiring storiesof these women will be shown in a TV commercial and online video, showcasing their drive, passion, style and engagement in society.

Vlisco Online

Read more about Vlisco’s craftsmanship, design, heritage and colour on www.vlisco.com. If you’re interested in wearing some of their incredible designs, discover their online fashion section for some inspiration. To connect with the brand, like their Facebook page and you’ll be updated on all the latest Vlisco news.

Activities and events

As a part of the celebration, there will be lots of activities and events throughout the year. In October, Vlisco will host an exciting exhibition in all 6 countries that explores the brand’s wonderful stories of design, craft, colour and heritage.

You can find out more about what’s happening in your city at www.vlisco.com

A fashion show will take place Abuja in September and another in Lagos in October. Watch out for these!

New fabric collection

The 170th Anniversary comes with a special collection of festive designs that perfectly captures the spirit of excitement. Some of these beautiful designs are enriched with a luxurious golden shine. Join the celebration in these special Limited Editions.

Vlisco, a unique story for 170 years

Vlisco’s heritage is quite unlike any other. Since 1846 it’s been creating unique textiles that are cherished for their distinctive designs, colours and Dutch craftsmanship.

All the fabrics have been designed and produced with full dedication and care, and are truly one-of-a-kind. As a result of Vlisco’s special wax dying and colour print process, each yard of their fabric is unique. In fact, they are the only brand still creating authentic Wax Hollandais fabrics today.