Each year, the Benin International Arts Festival takes up the challenge of bringing together eight artistic disciplines, from music to cinema, including literature and the visual arts.
This 4th edition has chosen fashion as its common thread, offering experienced designers and the new generation a shared podium.
Twelve young talents presented their collections in a unique competition, a real springboard for emerging stylistic voices.
The 3rd prize was awarded to Rolande Hounvo, 20, for her mini-collection "Éclosion". Inspired by Ganvié's straw hats, Rolande collected abandoned strands to bring them back to life, creating pieces that celebrate rebirth from what seemed lost.
Local fabrics and Beninese know-how were at the heart of the creations, affirming authentic African fashion anchored in its territory. Isabelle Egin was awarded the Jury Prize for her "Éclat Écologique" collection, entirely made from woven loincloth from Benin. A political science student, she wanted to bring local craftsmanship into dialogue with committed messages, combining aesthetics and meaning.
Ecology is also on the podium thanks to Rebecca Houénou, 17, first winner of the competition. His collection "Todagbé" — "the mother" in the Fon language — transforms plastic bags and shells collected on beaches into poetic and vibrant silhouettes, celebrating the ocean while calling for its preservation.
The jury, chaired by the legendary stylist Alphadi, an emblematic figure of African haute couture, underlined the maturity and audacity of these young designers: They used art, waste, African textiles and raffia. I was stunned", says Alphadi.
The festival continues until Sunday March 1 in four cities in Benin, to the delight of festival-goers and fans of emerging African fashion.
