Kassim Lassissi embodies the perfect fusion of two passions: fashion and travel.
His atypical career path has taken him from business school to the world of fashion, where he stands out for his innovative vision. Born in Paris to Yoruba parents of Beninese origin, Kassim draws his inspiration from Africa’s cultural treasures to create his own brand, Alledjo. After obtaining his literary baccalaureate, Kassim continued his studies at a business school. His quest for discovery and learning led him to intern in the fashion industry. He worked as a salesman at Dior and Max Mara, gaining initial experience in the sector. However, he soon realized that the media world, where he worked as a project manager, did not correspond to his true passion. The strict “9 to 5” working hours and the highly commercial aspect of the media left him dissatisfied. Kassim felt a deep need to express his creativity and combine his interests in fashion and travel.
So he decided to make a decisive turn in his career
He realizes that fashion is a passion that has been with him for a long time, without ever having considered making it his profession. At the same time, his fascination with travel and the discovery of cultural heritages is a constant source of inspiration. He explored travel-related career opportunities, but didn’t want to limit himself to becoming an English teacher in Thailand or a similar field. It was at this point that he made a crucial introspection. At the end of his professional experience in the media field, Kassim Lassissi made the bold decision to combine his two passions, fashion and travel. Thus was born the Alledjo brand, a name drawn from his Yoruba roots, meaning “guest”. The concept behind Alledjo is unique and captivating.
Each season, the Alledjo brand celebrates a different destination by highlighting the local culture, wildlife, architecture and people who embody that destination. This authentic celebration of a region’s cultural richness is behind the brand’s growing renown. Alledjo allows its customers to travel through fashion, discovering new destinations with each collection. Kassim Lassissi’s approach is audacious, just like his creations. He challenges the conventions of the fashion industry by infusing a new perspective.
A cultural adventure with each new collection
Kassim Lassissi is much more than a fashion designer; he is a cultural explorer, a visionary who combines the art of travel with the art of creation. His brand, Alledjo, is an invitation to explore the world through fashion. The fusion of his passion for fashion and his desire to celebrate the world’s riches makes Kassim Lassissi a force to be reckoned with in the contemporary fashion industry. Kassim Lassissi, the fashion traveler, has captured the essence of destinations around the world and translated it into artistic works.
His bold vision transcends the boundaries of traditional fashion, opening new creative doors. Through Alledjo, he reminds us that fashion is much more than clothes, it’s an experience, an adventure and a celebration of cultural diversity.
This extraordinary designer continues to push the boundaries of fashion while honoring the riches of our world. His passion for travel and fashion offers a unique perspective, inviting us to explore, appreciate and celebrate the beauty of cultural diversity through the art of fashion.
A captivating episode
In this interview, Kassim recounts the genesis of Allédjo. He describes his role as entrepreneur and artistic director of a young brand, and shares his determination to produce collections between Benin and Senegal.
Also listen to the following episodes
- Rabi Taabara Yansané, co-director of the documentary African Styles
- Queen Elizabeth Ihowa: A Multipotential Woman at the Heart of the Creative Industry
- Alia Baré, the art of fusing entrepreneurship, creativity and design
