From West Africa, likeUafrica offers a new take on African-inspired printed fabrics. These are the "Wax Block Classique" line from the Ivorian brand Uniwax, adding to the two-tone Wax Prints that have been available in the range for about a year.
 This fantasy is the historical "Congrès." Starting in mid-February 2026, you'll find an article on the blog that tells the story of this and other historical fantasies.

 These waxes feature multiple layers of color, making them very intense. The process is very similar to traditional methods: they are printed with wax, like their distant cousin, batik, from which they historically derive, then dyed with a process that guarantees extremely high color fastness. Once the basic design is printed in wax, the fabric is immersed in a dye to soften the contrast between the design and the white background of the fabric. The fabric is then calendered to give it a sheen. Calendering is a finishing process that compresses the fabrics between hot rollers to alter their appearance, sheen, and surface texture. It can give a smooth, glossy appearance, as in the case of Wax Print Uniwax.

 The price of 1 yard is €14 and the measurement is 90cm x 116cm. The width is always 116cm. The fabric can be made in lengths up to 6 yards (540cm). You can choose the quantity you want, if available, in the yardage options (so 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 yards).

 The CONGRÈS or BELLE FAMME de LOMÉ

 Today I'm telling you about one of the most popular Wax Block fabrics, better known as 'Congrès', which I'm offering you at likeUafrica in a new color variant from the Uniwax brand.

 This is a 1955 drawing which was given this popular name in Ivory Coast and Benin following the first congress of an Ivorian political party.
 The fabric was a huge success, especially in the blue/indigo version with yellow and red patterns.

 An essential piece in the 'suitcase of fabrics' offered as a dowry to the young bride in West African countries, this fabric was a symbol of union.
 In Togo it is in fact called 'Belle famme de Lomè' and its success was reinforced by one of the most talented fabric sellers, Nana Benz Patience Sanvee, who for many years held the exclusive distribution of this pattern in Togo, making it the most expensive and sought-after pagne!

 Using various sources I've collected over the years, I'll continue to tell you the stories of Wax Classique. I'll start by mentioning Anne Grosfilley, some of whose publications I collect.

 Discover other fabrics: COLLECTION