The Enduring Power of the Drianké in Senegalese Culture and Art
In Senegal, particularly in the lively streets of Dakar, there is a woman whose presence commands respect and admiration. She is the “Drianké“. More than a symbol of beauty, she embodies wisdom, resilience, and leadership. Her influence stretches far beyond her carefully curated attire and radiant presence; she is the weaver of traditions, the keeper […]
HERitage: Celebrating African Female Changemakers
In conversation with Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye founder and CEO of Ami Colé, now Executive Vice President of Skims’ beauty and fragrance business.
Nene Yaya: A Legacy of Luxury with a Soul
Marième Gaye remembers the first time she saw her sister, Nene, cradle a handbag the way one might hold something precious—a delicate heirloom, a piece of history wrapped in fine leather. Even as children, Nene had a discerning eye. While others indulged in fleeting trends, she believed in permanence. “A great handbag,” she often said, […]
The Legacy of Shea Butter: A Ritual, A Remedy, A Revolution
“Shea butter is my go-to. It’s nature’s ultimate moisturizer—pure, simple, and effective.” — Lupita Nyong’o In the ever-expanding world of beauty and self-care, few ingredients have the legacy and sheer efficacy of shea butter. Extracted from the nuts of the West African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), this rich, buttery elixir has been the cornerstone of […]
Bruin Feskens on Capturing Contrast, Crafting Stories, and Finding Beauty in Silence
Every tool we encounter serves a purpose in what we create as artists. In Bruin Fesken’s case, his use of light birthed a fascinating product that sparked our unique appreciation for the purity and crispness of black-and-white, with the contrast and exuberant experience of a stand-alone bold accent color. We experience the focus and characteristics […]
Our African Hairitage: Filmmaker Adanna Madueke’s documentary celebrates the uniqueness of various African hairstyles.
There is an overwhelming eloquence Adanna Madueke possesses, most especially the way she speaks about the virtues and vices of the natural hair movement; it’s seemingly calming. And as she speaks, making quick jokes intermittently, the panel room bursts into a subtle laughter. For the filmmaker, content creator and natural hair advocate, it feels like […]
Ilkhe du Toit on Material-First Design and the Journey of Salt
Image credit: Liezl Zwarts. Ilkhe du Toit’s collection Salt begins with a contradiction. The designer grew up on a sheep farm in South Africa where her family exported wool to European mills, surrounded by raw fiber that would eventually become garments. Yet the connection between the two felt invisible. “I didn’t understand how wool became […]
Asheri Masse’s Lady by Ash Redefines Sustainable Luxury with Effortless Simplicity
In a world dominated by fast fashion, I had the pleasure of speaking with Asheri Masse, the founder and creative director of Lady by Ash—one of Africa’s emerging slow-fashion brands committed to environmental sustainability. Our conversation delved into the brand’s journey, exploring how creativity and vision intersect with a conscious consumerism business model. Despite the […]
The 15th Dakar Biennale: A Journey of Awakening and Transformation
Dakar wakes early, the air warm and thick with the rhythm of its people, its streets alive with the thrum of conversation and possibility. This city, a cultural crossroads where past and future meet, has always known how to tell its story. And this November, as the 15th Dakar Biennale unfolded, it spoke louder than […]
Emerging Designers from Senegal and Across Africa Take the Stage in Dakar.
On Thursday, December 6, 2024, the Emerging Designers Showcase, Part II at the Pullman Dakar Teranga gathered a remarkable group of talent from Senegal and across Africa. The evening was not just about fashion, but a powerful declaration of Africa’s creative energy, where tradition met innovation. The designers presented collections that told stories of resilience, […]