Khady Sy Savane, a repeat entrepreneur
Enterprising to celebrate local craftsmanship
Khady Sy Savane has been a fashion entrepreneur for over 12 years. She heads up her own clothing line, Mia Dreams Paris, a name that evokes her dual culture as a native of Côte d’Ivoire, but also a French citizen. Now settled in Senegal for a decade, Khady embodies the spirit of enterprise and authenticity through her brand.
Mia Dreams Paris is much more than just a clothing line. It‘ s a tribute to the cultural richness of Africa, combined with a contemporary touch. The name “Mia” is a nod to “Made in Africa”, underlining Khady’s desire to highlight the continent’s artisan skills. Through her creations, she seeks to celebrate local craftsmanship and bring a touch of authenticity to our wardrobes.
Fashion is a family affair at Khady Sy Savane
Khady Sy Savane’s background is anything but conventional. She grew up in a family where fashion and commerce were an integral part of daily life. Her father was a dressmaker, stylist and pattern maker, while her mother was a merchant, selling a variety of fabrics. From an early age, Khady was immersed in this environment, where the art of creation and the spirit of enterprise blended naturally. However, her career path initially led her in a different direction. Khady has worked in a variety of fields, from banking to the national police force, as well as in the hotel and restaurant business. Her life took her away from fashion, but only temporarily.
A workshop in Senegal
Khady’s return to the world of fashion came through her association, the Union of African Women for Peace, Emancipation and Solidarity. The association organized an event called “Miss African Beauty” from 2008 to 2011, where Khady looked after the participants’ wardrobes. This project rekindled her passion for African fashion and inspired her to create her own clothing line. She quickly realized that to guarantee the quality and authenticity of her creations, she needed to become more involved in the manufacturing process. The first attempt, a collection produced in Senegal, proved to be a challenge due to the geographical distance and lack of supervision. This experience taught her the importance of mastering every step of the creative process.
So, in 2013, Khady opened her own tailoring workshop in Senegal, enabling her to closely supervise the design process, ensure quality and control production costs. She also opened a boutique in Paris two years later to expand her business and meet growing demand.
Khady Sy Savane is a passionate entrepreneur who skilfully blends contemporary fashion with African traditions. She is an inspiring example of perseverance, authenticity and creativity, embodying the perfect union between fashion and cultural heritage. Her brand, Mia Dreams Paris, celebrates cultural diversity while showcasing African artisan skills, helping to strengthen Africa’s presence on the international fashion scene.
