Imane Ayissi Fall 2009
Imane Ayissi on the runway

PARIS, Feb 9, 2009 / FW/ — A native of Cameroon, Imane Ayissi revisited his home continent of Africa as he paid homage to the continent’s religious rites named Bissim Cameroon, Eboka Guinea and Gabon or Vaudoun Benin, the religion that gave the Voodoo (or Voodoo) Haiti.

Translating the mystery and mystic of Voodoo into garments, Ayissi also paid tribute to the African continent, with its traditions as its latest customs but, more generally, examine the relationship magic that we have with our environment, objects around us, and among these items especially clothing.

The clothes are no longer just a convenience, as a representation or social seduction, but a symbol of protection and magic. Although modern materials such as viscose, bamboo, silk stretch, the use of non-colors (ivory, black) to highlight the architecture of the figures refer to modernity, the boundaries between clothing, jewelry and accessories are blurred, objects and textile mix …

And beyond the know-how “tailoring” lead to new actions, new ways to make clothing, forging, rolling, interlacing …

Arriving in France in 1990, Imane Ayissi has tailored for himself a strong reputation in the Afro-Caribbean community. He draws his inspiration from the pre-colonial Black continent to create a global fashion which goes beyond the ethnic label.

Ayissi works his fabrics in a soft and pure way in order to reveal harmony and magnify the elegance of women, elegance being the key-word of this creator. Chic, distinction and a touch of aristocracy are features of his dresses. Innate respect of women that reveals without undressing and suggests the body rather than shows it, is characteristic of this designer who resorts to some daring to help those he dresses with their seductive power.

Photos courtesy of Imane Ayissi

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