How is La Maison 3 Points making Libreville the capital of African haute couture?
A Unique Journey from Libreville to Los Angeles
To understand the scope of Destination Gabao, we need to look back at its founder’s career. A graduate in fashion design and business development from the University of Santa Monica in California, Doriane Leet Cooper Taty first cut her teeth in the United States, notably at the international fashion label Ed Hardy.
In 2016, guided by the conviction that bespoke luxury must be rooted in the local community, she opened her first atelier-showroom in Libreville. Her venture challenged the norms of the time: to prove to Gabonese women that it was no longer necessary to travel to Paris or New York to treat themselves to a wedding dress or an exceptional outfit.
In 2019, the designer expanded her business with a second studio in Los Angeles, showcasing her creations at Fashion Weeks in London, Hong Kong, and Los Angeles. From the red carpets of the Grammy Awards and the Golden Globes to the Cannes Film Festival, La Maison 3 Points has built a solid reputation among global celebrities, while also showcasing Gabonese craftsmanship at the Cartier Pavilion during the Osaka World Expo.
When Gabon’s Natural Environment Becomes a Source of Sustainable Luxury
The highlight of this anniversary celebration will be the presentation of a brand-new collection featuring more than 40 haute couture designs. Far from being a traditional fashion show, this collection serves as a laboratory for textile innovation and the green economy.
The company has risen to the challenge of transforming natural resources and local byproducts into high-end fabrics:
- Dried mango peels, treated and varnished to create unique, supple textures.
- Atanga seeds and nuts carved into precious ornaments.
- Inlays made of beach sand and seashells collected along the coast.
- Fish scales transformed into luminous, modular embroidery.
This material research demonstrates that circular fashion is not an industrial constraint, but rather the foundation for a radical contemporary aesthetic rooted in the preservation of Central African ecosystems.
A host of international guests at the heart of the City of Democracy
The diplomatic and media impact of Destination Gabao is reflected in the diversity of its ambassadors and distinguished guests.
The event will bring together a prestigious lineup of figures from the worlds of elite sports, film, and music:
- Lamar Odom, a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and founder of the Le Saint Noir label. His collaboration with the brand also highlights iboga, a treasure of Gabon’s natural and cultural heritage that played a central role in his personal recovery.
- Théa Frodin, a rising star in the world of tennis, a 2025 Wimbledon junior doubles finalist, and a regular on Grand Slam courts, will take the runway to embody the fusion of athletic discipline and haute couture.
- Didi Stone, a model and international influencer whose influential perspective will have a significant impact on younger generations.
- American artist Mya, actress Fivel Stewart (star of the Netflix series *The Recruit*), andEudoxie Bridges have come together to represent Gabon within North American artistic circles.
The production will combine subdued lighting with exceptional live performances, blending the melodies of violinist Mr. Sima, the traditional chords of zither master Papé Nziengui, and the voice of singer Sokey.
The Launch of Discovery Fashion to Promote the Continent’s Designers
In addition to looking back on her ten years in the industry, Doriane Leet Cooper Taty will use this platform to officially launch Discovery Fashion.
This new pan-African platform was designed to serve as a sustainable bridge for:
- To provide designers from the continent with direct access to international buyers.
- Promote cross-border collaboration between African studios and Western companies.
- Deconstructing stereotypes about African fashion by highlighting the technical excellence of local workshops.
- Create a training and mentoring ecosystem to help the next generation of designers become professionals.
What are the expected economic drivers for Gabon?
By choosing the prestigious setting of the Palais des Congrès at the Cité de la Démocratie, in partnership with local institutions, the event aims to generate direct benefits for the country’s appeal:
- Strengthen cultural diplomacy and the country’s image along the Libreville-Los Angeles corridor.
- To boost local tourism, hospitality, and dining industries through an exclusive business event.
- Lay the groundwork for a certification program and a research initiative focused on plant fibers and Gabonese arts and crafts.
- Organize a recurring annual event capable of attracting investors, influencers, and journalists from around the world.
Details on how to attend the event
- Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026.
- Location: Cité de la Démocratie, Omar Bongo Ondimba Convention Center, Libreville, Gabon.
- Schedule: Red-carpet reception and cocktail hour starting at 7:00 p.m., opening remarks at 8:00 p.m., grand fashion show and artistic performances from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., followed by a professional networking cocktail reception.
- Accreditations and Partnerships: For information and reservations, please contact La Maison 3 Points and the Destination Gabao organization.
Libreville is establishing itself as a testing ground for the luxury of tomorrow
With “Destination Gabao,” La Maison 3 Points isn’t just celebrating ten years of creative resilience. It’s proving that Central African capitals have everything they need to build their own prestigious fashion scenes without waiting for guidance from Western Fashion Weeks. By showcasing natural materials from Gabon under the spotlights of the Palais des Congrès, Doriane Leet Cooper Taty reminds us that the future of global luxury will be shaped by authenticity, eco-conscious boldness, and a commitment to one’s roots.
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