A print evening gown using woven country cloth

The Print kabaslot is the signature outfit of the Krios of Sierra Leone. The Krios are descendants of freed formerly enslaved people from Britain, the southern USA, the Caribbean and African countries. They were brought to Sierra Leone and founded ‘Freetown’ in the late 1700s.

The Kabaslot is made from a specific cotton design with a unique hand cut embroidery design across the chest, pockets, and the back of the neckline. It is loose fitting, but the waistline is accentuated with a belt. It has a matching scarf. Sleeves are ¾ or full length with ruffles around the cuff. It is normally ankle length. The base for the handcut embroidery was formally 100% cotton lace. Older women wore this unique dress style mostly.

The Print has undergone a great transformation from the traditional designs worn by women to several new trends that experiments with the cut, fabric, and uses. Today Prints are used for multiple purposes like work, weddings, naming ceremonies, birthday parties, and general everyday wear.

Here the woven country cloth has been used along with the stiches that define a print outfit. Newer trends incorporate different fabrics to create newer and more acceptable outfits.