Cameroon’s fashion is diverse, shaped by climate, religion, ethnic and cultural beliefs, and the influences of colonialism and globalisation.
Traditional garments
Pagnes are sarongs worn by women, the chechia is a traditional hat, the kwa is a male handbag and the gandura is customary male attire. Wrappers and loincloths are worn widely by both women and men, with Fulani styles more present in the north and Igbo and Yoruba styles in the south and west.
A designer on the Paris stage
Imane Ayissi, born in 1969, is described as one of Cameroon’s top designers. A former dancer and model, he founded his own label in 2004 and is a guest member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. He is described as the first Black African designer to show on the Paris haute couture catwalk. His look is known for fluid silhouettes, blending traditional African textiles with luxury fabrics such as taffeta, organza and lace.
Sources: Wikipedia: Culture of Cameroon, Wikipedia: Imane Ayissi.
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