Models walk Paris’s haute couture stage wearing sculptural gowns made with African textiles by designer Imane Ayissi, according to reports from RFI and AllAfrica. The presentations take place during the latest Paris haute couture shows, where Ayissi is described as the first—and still the only—designer from sub-Saharan Africa to participate in the Paris haute couture schedule.
Both outlets focus on Ayissi’s appearance on the runway and the visual impact of her work, describing garments as sculptural and highlighting the use of African textiles. While the sources do not provide detailed specifications about individual pieces, the shared coverage presents the event as a notable milestone for representation in Paris’s haute couture industry.
The articles do not include additional background such as how the designer was selected, audience or critical reactions, or subsequent plans. Overall, the reporting centers on Ayissi’s presence in the Paris haute couture shows and the framing of that participation as a first for sub-Saharan Africa, according to the accounts cited.
