In a captivating celebration of African heritage and craftsmanship, Mali Fashion Empire recently hosted a mesmerizing workshop shoot that delved deep into the realms of cotton processing and traditional textile techniques. Directed by the visionary Senegalese artist Djibril DRAME, the event, themed ‘Mother Queen,’ unfolded against the backdrop of the Nialan textile workshop in Bamako, Mali, showcasing the timeless beauty of the ancestral ‘Bogolan’ fabric technique.
Under the guidance of Fatou GACKOU, who embodied the role of the Mother Queen for the day, models adorned in intricate Bogolan creations posed for the lens of photographer Merveille Kokou NUKUNU. The imagery seamlessly blended ancestral motifs with futuristic designs curated by both local talents and invited stylists.
Reflecting on her role as the day’s Mother Queen and as a business developer, Fatou shared profound insights, stating, “Being a queen transcends power; it embodies the origin of the world.” Her words resonate deeply with the historical legacies of iconic queens such as Nyéléni, Momo Traoré, Amina, and Ndate Yalla Mbodj, who symbolize the values of transmission and education.
Through initiatives like Mali Fashion Empire (MFE), Fatou and her team are dedicated to fostering Mali’s transition while championing ethical practices within the fashion industry.As Mali Fashion Empire continues to pave the way for sustainable and culturally rich fashion practices, their commitment to honoring tradition while embracing innovation serves as an inspiring example for the global fashion community. Through each stitch and every design, they weave together a narrative that celebrates the beauty of African heritage and the enduring spirit of creativity.
The workshop’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the collaborative efforts of a talented team:
Artistic Director: Djibril Drame (@gadaay)
Producer: Zenab Yattassaye (@misszenaby)
Assistant Stylists: Oumar Diabaté, Youssouf Cissé
Photographer: NUKUNU Kokou Merveille
Assistant Photographer: Banlipo Lamboni
Makeup Artist: Fatoumata Koita
Models: Fatou Gackou, Kouakou Ange Henri Kouassi, Mohamed Sissoko, Lassana Kouma, Mariam Walet Mohamed Elmoctar, Sidi Kané
Designers: JK Dressing, Romzy, Mida Style, Mimi Pedro, Hassid Couture
Location: Atelier Bogolan Boubacar Niambele
Set Decoration: Boubacar Niambele
