report Vibrant, traditional, and contemporary African clothing enlivened the catwalks of Ouaga Fashion Week from 9 to 14 May.
The West African nation has hosted its third Ouaga Fashion Week, the first since the pandemic forced its postponement, and is struggling to combat its poor reputation due to a recent coup and attacks by jihadist groups on its territory.
Some of the highly anticipated parades took place on a central street in Ouagadougou. To circumvent the frequent power outages, models and stylists used the lights on their cellphones to do their makeup and hair before the show.
Residents lineup to watch Models participate in the third edition of Ouaga Fashion Week in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Saturday, May 14, 2022. Over 35 stylists and designers took part in the event, with some of the shows taking place in the streets of the capital. (AP Photo/Sophie Garcia)Models use their phone lights during a power outage to put on make-up before the start of the third Ouaga Fashion Week, Friday, May 13, 2022, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Ouaga Fashion Week returned to the Burkinabe capital after a two-year COVID-19-related break. (AP Photo/Sophie Garcia)
“Burkina is one of the African countries that have a lot of potential to offer when it comes to fashion… That’s why I set up this project, to expose Burkinabe designers and get them recognized in the world. international level” said Alex Zabsonre, event director.
Alex Zabsonré, the founder of Ouaga Fashion Week, gives instructions to models participating in a show taking place in the streets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Saturday, May 14, 2022. Ouaga Fashion Week returned to the Burkinabe capital after a two-year COVID-19-related break. (AP Photo/Sophie Garcia)
Burkina Faso’s traditional fabric, the Faso dan Fani, handwoven from cotton, has often been in the spotlight, worn by ambassadors such as singer Beyoncé and fashion designer Stella McCartney. The country is one of the top ten cotton exporters in the world, accounting for an average of 3% of world exports since 2000, according to the United Nations.
A model wears a dress by POCO&CO during the third edition of Ouaga Fashion Week in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Saturday, May 14, 2022. Over 35 stylists and designers took part in the event, with some shows taking place in the streets of the capital. (AP Photo/Sophie Garcia)A model wears a dress by POCO&CO during the third edition of Ouaga Fashion Week in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Saturday, May 14, 2022. Over 35 stylists and designers took part in the event, with some shows taking place in the streets of the capital. (AP Photo/Sophie Garcia)
Some 35 designers, chosen from 200 applicants, from West Africa and Europe, presented their creations. For the first time, the majority of them, around 75%, was from Burkina Faso.
Models participate in the third edition of Ouaga Fashion Week in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Friday, May 13, 2022. Over 35 stylists and designers took part in the event, with some shows taking place in the streets of the capital. (AP Photo/Sophie Garcia)
“These little-known artisans need to be considered in the global fashion arena so that these crafts, these traditions continue,” said Mallika Chaudhuri, founder and director of INDOI, a women’s brand in Britain. “We must maintain local craftsmanship and cooperation between designers and manufacturers for a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry. »
A model wears a dress by designer Austin Loïc Ayih-Yenu during the third edition of the Ouaga Fashion Week in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Saturday, May 14, 2022. Over 35 stylists and designers took part in the event, with some of the shows taking place in the streets of the capital. (AP Photo/Sophie Garcia)
