OUMOU SY MADE IN AFRICA

Oumou Sy

Born on the border of Mauritania and Senegal, Sy is said to have liked the feel of fabrics that she often played with in childhood before her interest veered to joining, stitching and sewing pieces of fabrics together.Sy has made up her own model label, Made in Africa, and expresses her versatility in the creative textile and jewelry designs she produces.

Oumou Sy is known not only for her fantastic and lavishly produced fashion events but also for the combination of Haute Couture with social and economic involvement.

Due to the lack of opportunity of gaining access to African fashion design and prêt-à-porter fashion, the African consumers follow the European fashions. Many make use of the second-hand goods from old clothes collections which flood the African markets. By setting up her own model label Made in Africa Oumou Sy is creating the possibility of local consumption of African fashions. This is why she is committed to introducing the industrial mass production of African prêt-à-porter fashion which can be offered at affordable prices in Africa.

Senegal and her mother taught her that dressing well is a sign of respect to others. “Every body is a creation of God,” Oumou Sy says. “Every body, every face, is beautiful. It is my job to ensure that the value of all that shines through.”

She also directs theatre and designs costumes for film despite her lack of formal education. Her collections are showcased at international fashion shows in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.Senegal’s best known musical ambassadors—Youssou N’Dour and Baaba Maal—wear her designs.

Oumou Sy Site

VIDEOS ON OUMOU'S FASHION COLLECTIONS

Oumou Sy Fashion Cat Walk 1
Oumou Sy Fashion Cat Walk 2
Oumou Sy Fashion Cat Walk 3
Oumou Sy Fashion Cat Walk 5
Oumou Sy Fashion Cat Walk 6