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A Half-Century Journey, Inspired by Nelson Mandela – Pathé’O ”Nelson Mandala’s Designer “

Date: May 1 2024

Venue: ABIDJAN – TREICHVILLE – AVENUE 19 – RUE 22 BARRÉE

Pathé’O’s designs represents A testament to creativity, & commitment to promoting African fashion

Pathé’O’s designs are a testament to his creativity, his commitment to promoting African fashion, and his dedication to using local materials. His work continues to inspire and influence the global fashion industry.

Renowned figure in the international fashion scene – Pathé Ouédraogo

Pathé’O, born as Pathé Ouédraogo, is a renowned figure in the international fashion scene.
His designs are celebrated for their unique style and the use of local materials.

Pathé Ouédraogo, known as Pathé’O, is a Burkinabe stylist who was born in 1950 in Guibaré.
He moved to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in the 1970s and gained international fame, notably for dressing President Nelson Mandela.

Pathé’O early carrier

Pathé’O started his career in fashion out of necessity rather than passion.
He arrived in Abidjan without resources and unsure of what he would do.
He eventually met the owner of a workshop who employed him as an apprentice tailor, providing him with accommodation and meals.

After five years of learning men’s tailoring and four years of women’s tailoring, he decided to set up his own workshop with his brother, Amadou.

Pathé’O is a strong promoter for African fashion

Pathé’O is a strong advocate for African fashion and has been working tirelessly to develop a ready-to-wear industry on the continent.

He has dressed several African personalities, including Laurent Gbagbo, Alpha Oumar Konaré, Modibo Diarra, and Koffi Olomidé.

Pathé’O’s creations have been worn by Nelson Mandela and many African heads of state.
His designs are celebrated for exploring African fabrics in new lines. His goal is for Africans working in city offices to feel elegant dressed in African clothes and to stop having a “complex” about Western ready-to-wear and the suit and tie that are unsuitable for the climate of hot countries.

Pathé’O is one of the star designers

Pathé’O is one of the star designers of the International Festival of African Fashion (Fima), an event created by one of his peers, the Nigerian Alphadi.

He was present at the first edition of Fima, held in the desert of Tiguidit, Niger, in 1998.

Key Aspects that make his designs stand out:

Use of Local Materials: Pathé’O is known for using local fabrics and very colorful patterns in his designs. He creates his own fabrics after designing a clothing model. He also uses traditional African fabrics, exploring them in new lines.

Unique Style: His clothes, whether ready-to-wear or custom-made, are immediately recognizable.
They are worn by modern young women, businessmen. His designs are appreciated internationally.

Advocacy for African Fashion: Pathé’O is a strong advocate for African fashion. He believes that African fashion and fabrics interest the whole world.
His goal is to move Africa forward by transitioning from a cottage industry to mass manufacture.

International Recognition: Pathé’O has gained international recognition for dressing some of Africa’s wealthiest and most powerful individuals, including anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, Moroccan King Mohamed VI, President of Rwanda Paul Kagame, and the continent’s most affluent man Aliko Dangote.

Collaboration with Dior: In 2019, Pathé’O collaborated with the famous French house Dior. This collaboration brought him and his brand international recognition.

The International Festival of African Fashion (FIMA)

The International Festival of African Fashion (FIMA) is a significant event in the world of fashion, particularly for African designers.
The festival was the brainchild of Nigerian designer Seidnaly Sidhamed, more commonly known as « Alphadi« .

FIMA : Culture – Peace – Development by Alphadi

The first edition of FIMA was held in the desert of Tiguidit, Niger, in 1998.
The theme of the first edition, which later became its motto, was « Culture – Peace – Development« .

This triptych was in line with the context of the time and today, explaining the correlation between the three terms: Without Culture, there is no identity, and without Peace, there is no development.

The festival has grown to become an international event, held every two years in Niger, bringing together more than 45 fashion designers from five continents, including some of the biggest names in haute couture.

More than 120 models, including “Top Models”, and some of the biggest names in international music, such as Meiway, Aicha Koné, Naawa Doumbia, Amy Koita, Neil Oliver, and maestro Bonkana Maiga, have participated in the festival.

Despite evolving in a challenging context, FIMA has managed to unite several development actors around its objectives, establishing itself as a driving force in the cultural industry in Africa.
It is now globally recognized that this project can significantly contribute to development, as it touches on several sectors of socio-economic life.

The Finale of Pathe’Os 50 Anniversary

ABIDJAN – TREICHVILLE – AVENUE 19 – RUE 22 BARRÉE

TÉLÉPHONES:
+225 27 21 24 00 96

E-MAIL:
patheo@patheo.fr

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