Imane Ayissi Couture Spring 2022 – WWD

For Imane Ayissi, clothing design is a form of social commentary. With the spring collection “Foufoulou”, he continues to explore the theme of cultural exchange. In the Cameroonian Ewondo language, the word means both “mixed” and “together” and it has been featured on many designs in this festive colorful lineup, slogans giving off a youthful feel. central.

On a bright green dress in Calais lace, it was scripted in purple sequins. Other designs feature interlocking block lettering sewn together to create patterned capes.

The square cut and soft fabric closely resembles the traditional “boubou”, but is made in premium fabrics such as silk or in a pleated shirt made of bamboo fibers.

His brightly colored taffetas have a touch of aristocratic luxury, with long raffia hems that look like a tribal mask when used on the back of a look. Tailor-made pieces are made with adire-dyed fabric – a form of tie-dying – from Nigeria, or kente fabric from Ghana for belted coat dresses.

After a performance attended by UNESCO director general and former French culture minister Audrey Azoulay, Ayissi was officially named Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. His medal was presented by Pascal Morand, executive chairman of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.

Morand thanked the designer for his contributions to fashion and culture, as well as his career track.

The son of boxing champion Jean-Baptiste Ayissi Ntsama and former Miss Cameroon Julienne Honorine Eyenga Ayissi, he started his career as a dancer for the Cameroon National Ballet before moving into modeling and appeared in music videos. He launched his fashion label in 2004. In the spring of 2020, he performed his first runway show on the federation’s official calendar, the first designer from Sub-Africa Sahara does the same.

Morand said: “I admire your noble spirit and humility. “Cultures of all kinds are needed, and cultural diversity is very important.”

Struggling – and failing – to fight back the tears, the designer thanked Morand and the federation, saying, “Culture hasn’t been easy for me, it’s been a long road.”