In Guinea, there are four main fabric families, each associated with a specific region and know-how. These fabric families come in countless variations, reflecting the creativity of manufacturers and fashion designers: <\/p>\n
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- Leppi<\/strong> – Middle Guinea<\/li>\n
- Sacred Forest<\/strong> – Forest Guinea<\/li>\n
- Kendeli<\/strong> – Lower Guinea<\/li>\n
- Bakha<\/strong> – Upper Guinea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Leppi from Guinea<\/p><\/div>\n
Guinean fashion is supported by the government<\/h3>\n
The Guinean government, determined to promote and preserve local textiles, supports initiatives such as the 72 heures du Textile Guin\u00e9en. This annual event, organized by the Coordination G\u00e9n\u00e9rale de la Mode en Guin\u00e9e – Cogemode and supported by Cit\u00e9 des arts, aims to connect fashion designers and fabric manufacturers with buyers from around the world.<\/strong><\/p>\n
For this second edition in Brussels, the organizers were able to count on the presence of Moussa Mo\u00efse Sylla, Guinea’s Minister of Culture, Tourism and Crafts, and Mrs. Savan\u00e9 Aissatou Doukour\u00e9, Guinea’s Ambassador to Belgium<\/strong>. Also in attendance was Mr. Sven Huyssen, Director of Operations for Enabel<\/strong>, the Belgian development agency working in several African countries to support cultural and creative industries. <\/p>\n
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Guinea Kendeli<\/p><\/div>\n
The Kaad\u00e9 brand<\/h3>\n
Among the designers present was Binta Diallo, founder of the Kaad\u00e9 brand<\/strong>. She came all the way from Conakry to present her collection. A fervent promoter of made in Guinea, she has been using Guinean fabrics in all her collections since the launch of her brand. She works closely with her sister Aminata Diallo, director of the Kpaaf sewing school in Conakry. Together, they work to promote Guinea beyond its African borders<\/strong>. Binta travels between Paris, Conakry and Abidjan, presenting her collections and promoting local crafts. She creates limited-edition collections, systematically integrating various Guinean fabrics. <\/p>\n
An economic and cultural challenge<\/h3>\n
The promotion of Guinean textiles goes beyond the events sector. Indeed, developing a complete textile sector represents a major economic opportunity<\/strong>. Imports of fabrics and finished products could threaten this local industry. However, the Guinean government, through the Office National de Promotion de l’Artisanat headed by Mrs Marie Sompar\u00e9, is keen to accelerate the development of self-sufficient fashion. This office has launched a labeling program for Guinean fabrics, with Leppi labeling in 2023 as a first step. <\/p>\n
Today, Guineans show a strong interest in local textiles. At celebrations, tailor-made outfits made from local fabrics are worn with pride. Guinean style is recognized throughout West Africa. The 72 heures du Textile Guin\u00e9en offers a unique opportunity to export this style worldwide, thus contributing to the preservation and enhancement of this cultural heritage. <\/p>\n
The 72 Hours of Guinean Textiles is not just an event, but a movement towards a future where Guinean textiles shine on the international stage, supporting the local economy and celebrating Guinea’s rich cultural heritage.<\/p>\n
Photo credit: La Marque Kaad\u00e9 by Binta Diallo<\/p>\n
\nRead also<\/p>\n
- Sacred Forest<\/strong> – Forest Guinea<\/li>\n