Hey fashionistas, it is almost the beginning of Jamaica’s most celebrated holiday week, ‘Emancipendence’.

This involves both Emancipation Day (August 1) and Independence Day (August 6). Off the Rack wishes all you fashion-forward teens a happy ‘Emancipendence’ week. Jamaica is known across the world to be quite fashion forward and trendy, and the upcoming celebrations are no different as the bandana returns. A trend that is quite perfect to grab off the rack and into your closet.

Thinking of the trend, madras cloth or bandana as it is commonly known, the first thing that comes to mind is festival, and the first person is the Honourable Louise Bennett-Coverley, a fashionista in her own right. Bandana which is a series of blue, yellow and red plaids whether large or small date back to 18th century India where it was first made with silk. It was, however, later copied by British manufacturers as a means of cheap mass production made from cotton.

For ‘Emancipendence’ 2015, Bandana has been revamped and is now quite trendy. The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission along with local manufacturers have reinvented bandana with bigger prints and they have also tied it in with denim. This is a look that is modern and chic, but still embraces our culture and independence. These designs are perfect for the holiday week and any event after, heritage week is in October after all.

A tip is to remember that denim is a relatively heavy fabric and during summer the fabric might make you quite hot, so search for denim that is as light as possible. Grab that bandana off the rack and help to celebrate Jamaica 53, a nation that is both proud and free.