More than 20 fashion designers came from seven countries to Senegal to showcase their latest work at the 13th Dakar fashion week. The BBC’s Laeila Adjovi followed Senegalese model Aminata Faye from backstage to the catwalk.
“Every Senegalese model dreams of taking part in the fashion week,” says 26-year-old Aminata Faye. She is one of 22 Senegalese models chosen at a casting for Dakar fashion week. She is the first model to walk on stage to present Ivorian designer Zak Kone’s collection. Aminata has also travelled to Congo-Brazzaville, Niger and France on modelling gigs. Aminata didn’t intend to become a model. She studied finance but says she has not found a job in her field. In 2010 a friend submitted an application for a casting. US-based Senegalese designer Moussa Dia is one of the designers showcasing their work. Some garments, like this one by Senegalese designer Selly Raby Kane, can be difficult to put on and can be quite revealing. Aminata does not mind – it is all part of the job. Aminata is particularly fond of Kane’s designs. This one is inspired by “Afrofuturism”. Aminata and Sarakara Dieng started modelling around the same time. The Senegal fashion industry is small and they have become good friends. Aminata says it is more developed in Nigeria and Ghana. Aminata thinks it is important for foreign designers to come to Senegal to “see what we do”. This outfit is designed by Portuguese guest designer Valentim Quaresma. The Dakar fashion week was founded by Senegalese designer Adama Ndiaye, left. She came to the stage dressed in a traditional outfit from Senegalese designer Seynabou Gningue. Aminata hopes her modelling career will take her to Milan, New York and London. And if it does not, she hopes she can find good use for her degree in finance and keep the modelling on the side. The show is over. Aminata takes off her stilettos and puts her trainers back on. Enough fashion for this week. Tomorrow she wants to rest and play volleyball.
