Alphadi (born Sidahmed Seidnaly 1 June 1957)
[Niger's Alphadi pushes African fashion to global scene]
Sophie Mongalvy (AFP). 2011-06-01. is a notable
Nigerien fashion designer often known as the "Magician of the Desert". He is Mauritanian, from an upper caste lineage,
on both his parents sides. Alphadi was born in
Timbuktu,
Mali, but moved to his parents native Niger at a young age.
Alphadi studied at Cardon Savard Studios in Paris, started his label in 1984,
and his first haute couture line was released in 1985 at the Paris International Tourism Tradeshow. His line has since extended into
sportswear and
perfume. The Alphadi line, which has 'Complexe Alphadi' boutiques in
Niamey (on Rue Vox),
Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d'Ivoire, officially the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, is a country on the southern coast of West Africa. Its capital is Yamoussoukro, in the centre of the country, while its largest city and economic centre is ...
and
Paris
In 1998 Alphadi was the one of the three African fashion designers to win the
Principal Prince Claus Award; the other two were
Tetteh Adzedu from
Ghana and
Oumou Sy.
In 1998, he created the first FIMA, the International Festival of African Fashion which was located in Niger. This event allowed African designers to come together with other international designers such as
Yves Saint Laurent,
Kenzo,
Jean Paul Gaultier and
Paco Rabanne
Francisco Rabaneda Cuervo (born 18 February 1934), more commonly known under the pseudonym of Paco Rabanne (; ), is a Spanish fashion designer who became known as an ''enfant terrible'' of the 1960s French fashion world.
Early life and educati ...
. Since then, the event has been going on every 2 years.
Festival international mode africaine
France24, 2007-11-26. In 2007, he launched a new contest during the FIMA and Hip Hop FIMA Contest.
Alphadi maintains production facilities in Niamey and Morocco, and splits his time between homes in Niamey and Paris.
Awards
References
Alphadi Profile
*360° - GÉO (episode, TV5
Directed by Roberto Lugones, 2004. Country: Germany / France. Running time : 52'
External links
*
{{ACArt
French fashion designers
Nigerien fashion designers
People from Timbuktu
1957 births
Living people
Malian emigrants to Niger