FashionAbidjan
Mandela's tailor
Pathé'O
✓ Verified · 2 sources
Born Pathé Ouédraogo in Burkina Faso in 1950, he came to Abidjan in the 1970s and grew from a street tailor into a brand with shops in about ten African countries, known for its printed-cloth shirts (chemise pagne).
In 1993 the singer Miriam Makeba bought five of his shirts in Abidjan as a gift for Nelson Mandela. Mandela later wore them on the international stage, giving 'formal wear in African cloth' political standing. The King of Morocco and Rwanda's President Kagame have also worn his designs.
CE QUE VOUS VERREZ · What you will see
African political and business leaders at formal events in wide, long-sleeved shirts pieced from printed cloth, instead of suits.POURQUOI · So what
He represents the confidence of 'Africans designing formal wear for Africans'; a new generation of Ivorian designers, such as Gilles Touré, call him their mentor.SAVOIR-FAIRE · How to use it
For an occasion that calls for something formal with an African touch, a Pathé'O shirt is the safest choice. Tell the Mandela and Makeba story and people will know you have done your homework.Asian and European parallelsLike the Mao suit or the Tang jacket for Chinese leaders: a garment that is a political and cultural statement.
Where to experience itHis workshop and shop in Treichville.
On these routes
Sources
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