Gabon’s most striking fashion story centres on raffia, a natural palm fibre with deep cultural meaning.
Raffia, once for nobles
Raffia comes from palm fronds and was traditionally reserved for Gabon’s nobles and village chiefs. It now also appears at traditional weddings and in bwiti spiritual ceremonies. Africanews and FashionUnited report that the designer Chouchou Lazare, based in Libreville, calls it a fabric that is part of the spirituality of the country.
A self-taught designer
Lazare has no formal fashion training. He began helping his mother sew at nine, organised his first fashion show in school and learned by designing for his mother and grandmother. Nearly all of his dresses use undyed raffia, braided, sewn or glued onto bustiers and skirts. He says it is for everyone, not only Gabonese or African people.
On the Paris runway
His latest collection was shown in Paris on 28 February 2026. He won first prize for fashion at the 2002 Saint-Étienne International Design Biennial, received an achievement award at the Fashion Annual Show in Paris, which has honoured African designers for over 25 years, and presented creations to President Emmanuel Macron during his November 2025 visit to Gabon. He also leads the Association of Gabonese Stylists and Creators, where he mentors other designers.
Sources: Africanews: Gabon fashion designer brings traditional raffia to Paris runways, FashionUnited: Gabon fashion designer brings traditional raffia to Paris runways, Africa.com: Gabonese designer elevates raffia clothing to high fashion.
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