I came across Awa Meite’s designs during lagos fashion week and I was impressed by quality of the fabrics and the intricacies. The outfits were mostly boubous but i had never seen a more regal one.
Awa Meité is a Malian fashion designer, filmmaker, painter, jeweller and director who creates handmade clothes, and decor using local materials and cotton from Mali. Mali being the largest cotton producing country in Africa and the sole source of income for over 3 million people. The local economic method used, helps the ecosystem to reduce world problems like climate change and pollution. It also helps to improve the living conditions of the communities and empowers women by providing jobs from growing to processing.
Meité is interested in drawing attention to all aspects of local cotton production, including the cotton growers, spinning wheel operators, artisans, dyers, embroiderers, tailors, and merchants. Since 2007, she has been the coordinator of the Daoula project, which encourages local cotton production and the exchange of ideas around cotton.
It’s beautiful that the world is embracing sustainable fashion and African brands are part of the movement. Going back to our roots and using old methods and fabrics from our natural materials, not only will we be making the world a better place, we will be reviving Africa’s forgotten history.
Every Awa Meité outfit speaks clearly and proudly. The colours, prints and details displays the untapped wealth of Africa. Here are my favourite looks from Awa Meité Collection 2020 showcased this year.
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