Known for its vibrant handwoven textiles, the brand celebrates Mali’s rich textile heritage through traditional craftsmanship. Each piece is meticulously handmade in their Bamako atelier, using cotton grown and transformed in Mali.
Speaking about the recent collection BLUE Awa Meite say, “BLUE is more than a colour for our brand. It is a constant renewal of the reflection about being and becoming, the intersection of tradition and modernity.”
We caught up with Awa to learn more.
What inspired the collection?
The KOUROUBA coat. Image: Supplied
TARALA, a ceremonial-inspired design. Image: Supplied
Blue is more than a colour for our brand. It is a constant renewal of the reflection about being and becoming, the intersection of tradition and modernity. The richness of indigo symbolises this philosophy, of craft, culture, identity and owning the narrative for transmission to the future generations. A spiritual journey to reinvent oneself and most of all to be part of a global process.
We firmly believe that Africa is continuing to rewrite its story with threads and the ink of natural dyes. The BLUE collection is the continuity of our growing process in reflection and opening ways to encounter others.
Who are the people behind your garments?
YALAYE couture. Image: Supplied
We have been working with the same artisans for years. We train and learn together and they are like family to us. We are like threads woven together to materialise the pieces we create. Our atelier where we feel at home is located in the heart of one of Bamako’s most popular neighbourhoods.
“We are like threads woven together to materialise the pieces we create”
As a loom, we weave and integrate communities’ knowledge and know-how from Mali and the rest of Africa. We safeguard traditional practices such as hand-weaving and natural dyeing, while transforming them into architecturally structured, modern garments. Each piece respects its symbolic origins while embracing innovation.
What’s the one material or technique you keep returning to – and why?
SANKURA fringe coat. Image: Supplied
The FRIFRINI kaftan. Image: Supplied
The material is cotton produced locally and the technique is weaving. Indigo blue is our favorite colour and it’s the brand’s DNA.
The reason for that is simple, the transformation of the cotton produced locally in Mali gives full meaning to our creative process. It allows us to create jobs locally while continuing to honor the culture, craft and know how, knowledge and skills.
Textile becomes not only a cultural reference, but a modern design statement positioning Mali’s and Africa’s heritage within a global fashion and human dialogue.