SIAD represented at international African textile fair |27 November 2023
The Seychelles Institute of Art and Design was recently in Guinee Conakry to showcase the country’s fashion and design at the 9th edition of the International African Textile Salon (SITA).
The prestigious event showcased designs, textile and fashion from 42 African countries and Seychelles was represented for the first time by a seven-member delegation comprising three teachers and four second-year students namely two designers and two models.
The aim of SITA, which this year took place from November 6 to 11, is to promote the authenticity and legitimacy of African textiles worldwide, strengthen the textile industry on the continent, safeguard intellectual property of African designers and producers.
During the five-day event, the delegations showcased their traditional attire and textile in a fashion show, followed modelling masterclasses, attended conferences on issues such as the importance of marketing and labelling, and promoting African textiles beyond the continent, as well as sold their textiles.
Seychelles’ delegation was led by SIAD’s programme leader, Merina Albert, who said the institute was invited by Mauritius.
She described SITA as an insightful gathering that allowed the lecturers and students alike to gather valuable information in relation to the textile industry.
However, she said they did not receive adequate information prior to their trip, meaning they were not fully prepared for all the activities. They took part in the parade of traditional African attire, and had brought textile for the exhibition and sale of African textile.
“We had our textiles, which had been dyed, or printed and many people were impressed with our work and wanted to purchase. However, we did not have the length they were looking for, which was five metres as ours were one by two metres,” explained Mrs Albert. “We were well represented, and now that we know what to expect, the next delegation would be better prepared,” she added.
Mrs Albert, who was also attending an international fashion show for the first time, described it as an incredible experience and was glad that SIAD lecturers and students were exposed to such a high level gathering.
Another lecturer, Janese Jules, attended a conference on intellectual property and the importance of labelling, which she said was an eye-opener as she learned that many African textiles were being copied by outsiders, who in return ended up making millions.
“We discussed ways on how to come up with a common label for African countries that would identify our work and prevent counterfeiting and brand theft,” she said.
The two students/designers at the fair were Issis Loze and Emma Larue, who recently took part in the Creole festival’s ‘lafoli lanmod’ fashion show with their collections.
Speaking to Seychelles NATION, Ms Loze described the gathering as a tough one especially on the day of the fashion show.
“There was a lot of pressure and we were there among all those professionals who were very demanding, not caring if we were students and was doing this for the first time at this level,” said Ms Loze. Despite the pressure, the SIAD student said the three-hour show was a very good experience, paving the way for the future.
The other two students; namely Jean-Eve Derjacques and Laurinna Vinda, were there as models and took part in modelling workshops, learning how to walk and hold themselves on stage among others.
Compiled by Patsy Canaya
Photos contributed by SIAD
