A carefree scroll through Hybride Studio’s Instagram account leaves one thing lingering in the mind – a lucid Abidjan dream. Perhaps it’s the portraits of models in black off-shoulder blouses or flowing overlay pants, posed with poise against warm, monochrome backgrounds. But above all, it’s the effortless elegance that speaks loudest, boldly telling Guzangs that Hybride Studio is a brand to watch.
Leslie Barbedette: A Designer’s Biography
The brand was founded by Leslie Barbedette during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She drew inspiration from threads of memory – particularly the ones tied to wearing her mother’s clothes as a child. Her love for timeless, sophisticated fashion also played a role. Clothes, she tells Guzangs, she always wanted to keep in her closet for years – pieces that have now evolved into a style archive she hopes to pass on through her brand.
While fashion was always a dream, Leslie wasn’t familiar with fashion schools after high school. Instead, she pursued a general education and completed a master’s degree in international management from INSEEC Paris—a path she says has added great value to her journey.
“What matters is I have a commercial background that enables me to understand certain elements that are important for the smooth running of a company,” she says. “As for the creative side, styling, garment production… I learned as I went along. I started out in Paris, in the Sentier district. There, there are people with experience who are ready to pass on to the new generation. In Abidjan, I share my knowledge with my tailors, we work together and it works.”
The Making of Hybride Studio
Before officially launching Hybride Studio, Barbedette wrestled with the brand’s name. First it was Hybride Women, then Hybride Officiel, before finally becoming Hybride Studio. But the evolution didn’t stop there – she says she’s still discovering herself alongside the brand and is open to rebranding in the future if necessary.
The word “Hybride” reflects her mixed heritage and the unique environments that shaped her.
“We live in environments that aren’t necessarily the same as our parents or grandparents, and all this makes us hybrid,” she says.
The “studio” part signals her creative space and the broad vision she holds for its growth.
“I didn’t want to create a brand in my own name, but Hybride Studio is my story, so it was logical for me to highlight my West African and European heritage. The brand reflects who I am, what I want to share with others and the values I stand for,” she shared.
The Brand: Hybride Studio
Based in Abidjan, Hybride Studio draws from West African heritage and European minimalism while remaining open to global influences. Through it, Barbedette communicates more than just style – she conveys a vision, a lifestyle, an ideology. The studio also gives her space to experiment with collaborations, design accessories, and host events.
Her latest capsule collection, Pagne Noir, is an ode to her earliest experiences in Abidjan – a journey of cultural discovery and artistic awakening.
“I’ve discovered so much about my culture, and at the same time I’m still a young woman who grew up in Europe and therefore has a very European vision. Mixing my West African and European influences was, for me, the best way to move forward with Hybride Studio and take the brand to where it is now in terms of artistic direction,” she tells Guzangs.
She’s currently working on a new release for June – an extension of Pagne Noir. Feminine, bohemian-chic, and handmade with care, the upcoming piece continues the narrative she’s building with each drop.
Celebrating Artisanal Craftsmanship in Abidjan
Abidjan is one of Africa’s most vibrant creative ecosystems, and Barbedette celebrates its rich artisan culture. She tells Guzangs how the fashion business flourishes there – where almost everyone knows how to construct garments. On nearly every street corner, tailors – some seasoned, some just beginning – make magic with fabric.
They often begin as apprentices and grow into skilled artisans, weaving their way through complex techniques. Barbedette deeply values this spirit of craftsmanship and is intentional about preserving it.
“Craftsmanship is an integral part of the brand’s identity, it’s something I want to keep and develop with Hybride Studio,” she says.
“I’m gradually trying to create an environment in which my craftsmen or the people I work with are paid what they’re worth. If, in my small way, I can contribute to the enrichment of the people I work with, ensuring them a stable and sufficient income to feed themselves, look after themselves, pay for their children’s education… I’ll be very proud.”
The Future of Hybride Studio
Leslie has big dreams for the future of Hybride Studio, and she’s already seeing glimpses of success. Her best-selling piece, The Froufrou Skirt, draws inspiration from the camisole skirts worn by Ivorian women in the ’70s and ’80s—a silhouette her own grandmother once wore. She still holds the photo that inspired the design.
With a passionate love for fashion and culture, Leslie hopes to see her garments passed down through generations.
“There’s so much to pass on here, the heritage is so rich, and I’m grateful to be able to show it to the world with Hybride Studio,” she says.
