From May 9 to 14, some 35 designers from West Africa and Europe exhibited their clothes in Ouagadougou for fashion week, and for the first time, most of the designers were local.
It is a novelty since the pandemic appeared. The models are finally back on the catwalk for the third edition of the Ouaga Fashion Week.
Some 35 designers, chosen from approximately 200 applicants, from West Africa and Europe, exhibited their clothing lines in the capital of Burkina Faso.
This edition will go down in history because most of the designers were local. A source of pride for the event director, Alex Zabsonre. “There are people like Beyoncé who wore Faso Dan Fani. You can see that everywhere. There are people like Stella McCartney who work with Faso Dan Fani (traditional weaving). We have big fashion houses like Dior that have collaborated with Pathé’O (designer) for a creation especially with African fabric, Burkinabe fabric. So, I say that it is very important that everyone stand up, that the Burkinabe fashion industry is reorganized, that we join hands to conquer the world…“
A difficult industry to enter
Before African fashion hits the international stage, the industry continues to thrive on the continent. However, some Burkinabe designers fear insecurity linked to terrorist groups that have killed thousands will reverse decades of progress in the sector. “Fashion has changed a lot in the last 20 years, Korotimi Daosays the founder of Koro DK Style.The traditional Faso Dan Fani fabric was thicker now that it is lighter and can be used more easily. But due to the issue of security things have gone down and our friends, those who came from Europe, no longer come because of insecurity and it’s a shame.”
Despite the difficulties, the country is one of the top 10 cotton exporters in the world and a generation of young designers is taking the lead in promoting Burkina Faso, even if it is a difficult industry to penetrate.
“Fashion is very difficult in Burkina Faso, admits Joel Vignon, fashion designer. **It is because we are not given the opportunity to be seen. Therefore, people do not know our talent.**So, what can be done is to encourage and subsidize fashion shows, so that emerging young people can present what they know how to do..”
If fashion schools are expensive in the country, events like the Ouaga Fashion Week help to arouse the interest of local creators so that some realize that they fit quite well in this field.
Outside of the fugitive, the show goes on. Over the years, the four-day show has strengthened the textile and creative industry and helped connect producers and designers from Burkina Faso and beyond.
Source: www.africanews.com