Senegalese fashion designer Fallou Ngom has found his passion in fashion, despite being an engineer by training. Ngom is the initiator of the "Mi Kooy" festival, which translates to "And me?" in Serer. The festival aims to revolutionize high fashion with an artistic approach that promotes inclusivity and ecology. The first edition of the festival was held on September 19 in Dakar, attracting nearly 500 participants.
The festival featured a range of activities, including a masterclass on fashion design, a gaming space, a collaborative painting workshop, live music programming, and DJ sets. The event was designed to be inclusive, with a focus on making high fashion accessible to all. Ngom's approach to fashion is centered around breaking down barriers, particularly financial ones. He offered luxury clothing items at affordable prices, ranging from 3,000 to 15,000 FCFA.
Ngom's commitment to inclusivity is personal, as he has experienced exclusion himself. He recalls being excluded due to his body type when he was younger. This experience has driven his approach to fashion, which aims to make everyone feel included. The festival featured a pop-up store selling 200 unique upcycling pieces at affordable prices. Ngom plans to showcase the same collection at the Fimo228 festival in Togo, which takes place from September 25 to 27.
Ngom's fashion house, Fang, is known for its narrative approach to fashion. He is one of two Senegalese designers selected to represent the country at the Fimo228 festival, alongside Collé Ardo Sow. After the festival, Ngom will hold exhibitions and sales in Paris, Barcelona, and Morocco. He plans to return to Senegal for the Youth Olympic Games.
Ngom's background is in computer science, but he has always been passionate about fashion. He has been involved in the industry for several years and has established himself as a prominent figure in Senegalese fashion. His designs are not just for the elite, but for all segments of society.
The "Mi Kooy" festival was a success, with 475 attendees, almost reaching Ngom's target. The event demonstrated that high fashion can be made accessible to a wider audience. Ngom's approach to fashion is gaining recognition, and he is set to showcase his designs on an international stage.
Fallou Ngom's determination and perseverance have paid off, and his fashion house is now a source of pride for Senegalese creativity. His commitment to inclusivity and ecology is set to change the face of the luxury fashion industry.
Key points
- Fallou Ngom's "Mi Kooy" festival aims to democratize luxury fashion by making it more inclusive and accessible to a wider audience.
- Ngom's approach to fashion promotes ecology and sustainability, with a focus on upcycling and reducing waste.
- The Senegalese designer is set to showcase his designs at the Fimo228 festival in Togo and other international events.
