Lomé, la capitale du Togo, célèbre depuis mardi la 13ᵉ édition de YAS FIMO 228, la semaine de la haute couture africaine. Placé sous le thème « Naître et renaître », l’événement rassemble des designers venus d’Afrique, d’Europe et d’Amérique pour des défilés programmés les 26, 27 et 28 février 2026.
Avant les grands shows, le festival a mis l’accent sur la professionnalisation de l’écosystème de la mode togolaise et africaine. Le mercredi 25 février, une master class a réuni créateurs, stylistes, étudiants et passionnés autour d’un panel international animé par le journaliste canadien Stéphane Leduc. Parmi les intervenants figuraient Helmer Joseph, Fauvette Nacto et Nadine Gonzalez.
Pendant trois heures, les échanges ont porté sur l’identité créative, la discipline, la formation et l’ancrage culturel dans un marché mondialisé. Helmer Joseph a rappelé que « la mode demande du temps. Il faut cheminer avant de définir son univers », tandis que Fauvette Nacto a expliqué avoir trouvé sa véritable vocation à 38 ans. Le message clé : chaque créateur construit son identité stylistique au fil de l’expérience et des collections.
Le panel a également abordé la consolidation de l’identité artistique dans un environnement dominé par les grands créateurs. Helmer a insisté sur l’importance de s’inspirer des autres tout en affirmant sa propre identité dès le départ. La maîtrise technique – broderie, modélisme, moulage, upcycling – est essentielle pour une autonomie durable, le talent ne représentant que 20 % du métier, le reste reposant sur rigueur et discipline.
Le financement et l’accompagnement des projets ont aussi été discutés. Les participants ont été sensibilisés aux modalités d’accès aux fonds et à l’importance d’un plan d’affaires solide. « Il faut toujours exprimer vos besoins avec clarté et montrer votre capacité de production », a souligné un intervenant, mettant l’accent sur la confiance avec les investisseurs.
Les racines culturelles restent au cœur de la créativité. Pour Helmer Joseph, revenir aux sources permet de réinterpréter matériaux locaux et souvenirs d’enfance, tout en laissant libre cours à l’innovation.
Pour Jacques Logoh, fondateur de YAS FIMO 228, l’objectif est de favoriser un véritable échange entre créateurs internationaux et jeunes talents africains. La mode étant un secteur économiquement porteur, il faut professionnalisme, détermination et identité forte pour s’imposer à l’international.
Le partenaire historique, YAS Togo, confirme son engagement envers l’écosystème créatif local. Dela Djaou souligne que cette master class rend la mode accessible aux jeunes stylistes et modélistes et valorise les initiatives à forte valeur.
Au final, YAS FIMO 228 dépasse le cadre des défilés : elle se positionne comme une plateforme de professionnalisation et de rayonnement international, offrant aux jeunes créateurs togolais les outils pour s’affirmer tout en célébrant leur identité culturelle.
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