The city of Dakar, Senegal, is set to host the Pont Des Styles fashion event from December 4 to 6, 2026, at the Cinéma Pathé. This three-day event aims to bring together traditional and contemporary designers, as well as young and experienced creators, to promote intergenerational dialogue and exchange in the fashion industry. The event's organizers, Mariama Soumaré and Awa Soumaré, believe that fashion can be a powerful tool for bridging the gap between generations and fostering economic opportunities.
The event's concept is centered around the idea of creating a "bridge" between different generations, allowing them to share knowledge, experiences, and ideas. The name "Pont des Styles" reflects this concept, symbolizing the connection between traditional and modern styles. According to Mariama Soumaré, the event seeks to promote the circulation of knowledge, experiences, and ideas between generations, with the ultimate goal of creating a platform for economic growth and development.
One of the event's main objectives is to promote the transmission of traditional skills and knowledge from older generations to younger ones. Awa Soumaré, an economist and founder of a development support cabinet, emphasizes the importance of allowing Senegalese creators to draw inspiration from their cultural heritage in order to stand out in a globalized market. The event will feature an exhibition showcasing traditional Senegalese clothing, hairstyles, and iconic figures, as well as panels and workshops on transmission and intergenerational collaboration.
The event will bring together creators of different ages and backgrounds, with a focus on promoting intergenerational collaboration and knowledge sharing. Mame Marie Seynabou Diop, creator of the Atelier B brand, highlights the importance of combining the experience and skills of older generations with the innovation and creativity of younger ones. The event's program includes mentorship and networking opportunities, allowing young creators to connect with more experienced professionals and gain valuable insights and advice.
To ensure the event's success, the organizers have established a selection process for participants, based on criteria such as local craftsmanship, quality, originality, and the story behind each collection. The event will feature a range of participants, including young and senior designers, with a current parody of registrations between the two age groups. The organizers also aim to provide a platform for lesser-known young designers to showcase their work and gain visibility.
The event's location at the Cinéma Pathé has been carefully chosen to maximize exposure and commercial opportunities for participants. The venue's proximity to several commercial establishments and its popularity during weekends are expected to attract a large and diverse audience. The event's timing, coinciding with the Dakar Biennale, is also expected to draw a large number of foreign visitors and potential buyers.
The Pont Des Styles event aims to go beyond a simple fashion show, with the ultimate goal of creating a platform for economic growth and development in the fashion industry. The organizers believe that the event has the potential to generate revenue, create jobs, and promote Senegalese culture and heritage. By bringing together different generations and stakeholders, the event seeks to create a sustainable and innovative fashion industry that benefits all participants.
Key points
- The event aims to promote intergenerational collaboration and knowledge sharing in the fashion industry.
- The event will feature a range of participants, including young and senior designers.
- The event's organizers aim to create a platform for economic growth and development in the fashion industry.
