Alphadi, the magician of African fashion from the desert

Alphadi

Alphadi is an African stylist from Niger, with Touareg origin who, just like Pathe’O and Chris Seydou, has revolutionized African fashion.  Alphadi was born in Timbuktu Mali from parents who were traders.  Alphadi’s gift was born from applying makeup on his sisters and mother as a young child.  Very young he was fascinated by anything that could enhance feminine beauty.  He hails from Niger, a muslim country where fashion and men don’t quite go together, and are not viewed well.  However, this has not stopped Alphadi.  After studies in tourism, and actually serving as director in the ministry of tourism in Niger, Alphadi finally decided to start his own line.  In 1987, he was awarded the price for Best African Designer by the French federation of Couture and Pret-a-porter.  In 1998, he won the Prince Claus Award, while in 1999, he won the Kora award for fashion, and in 2001 Chevalier de l’Ordre de Merite de la France.  Alphadi’s work is recognized everywhere: Niamey, Abidjan, Paris, Brussels, New York, Tokyo, etc…

Alphadi’s creation at a fashion show 2009

To encourage fashion on the African continent, he has also created the International Festival of African Fashion (FIMA) organized in his native country of Niger.  Even though this event is viewed by radical muslims in his country as being wrong, and his life was even threatened, Alphadi has decided to continue bringing light to his country’s culture and beauty through his art, inviting stylists (such as Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren, etc…) and models from all over the world to Niger.

Alphadi’s creation

Alphadi’s originality is founded in the rich traditions of the Songhai, Zarma, Mbororo or Wodaabe, Haoussa and Touareg people.  His insolent style allies itself with audacious lines and forms, creating a balance between the desert and western influences where he gathered his first experiences. In 1999, Alphadi widened his label by creating along side of his haute couture line a new, more sportswear line called “Alphadi Bis”.  He also created with Wrangler “Alphadi Jeans” for a younger crowd.  And in 2000, he launched l’Air d’Alphadi, the very first perfume by an African couturier.

Please take the time to celebrate this pure African genius of fashion. To learn more about Alphadi, visit his website: http://www.alphadi.net/, http://www.fima-africa.com/, Interview with Alphadi.