Gabonese fashion designer Chouchou Lazare has brought the country’s traditional raffia to international prominence, showcasing his latest collection at Paris Fashion Week on February 28. Known for his craftsmanship and cultural storytelling, Lazare has transformed raffia a textile historically reserved for Gabonese nobility and spiritual ceremonies into a contemporary fashion statement.
At his Libreville studio, strands of raffia dry in the sun before being woven into finely crafted garments. Lazare, a self-taught designer who began sewing at age nine alongside his mother, has built a career defined by innovation and heritage. His designs, often bustiers and skirts adorned with raffia braids or appliqué, remain undyed to preserve the fabric’s natural authenticity.
“Raffia is part of Gabon’s spirituality, it speaks to our ancestors,” Lazare explained. “But it is also
a textile for everyone, a treasure that deserves global recognition.”
The designer’s Paris showcase drew attention not only for its artistry but also for its cultural significance. Raffia, once exclusive to chiefs and nobles, now features prominently in Gabonese weddings and bwiti ceremonies. Lazare’s work positions the fabric as both a cultural emblem and a sustainable resource, aligning with Gabon’s Ministry of Sustainable Tourism’s call to preserve and promote raffia as part of Africa’s creative economy.
Lazare’s career spans decades, including winning first prize at the Saint-Etienne International Design Biennial in 2002 and presenting his creations to French President Emmanuel Macron during a state visit to Gabon in 2023. His recent achievement award at Paris’s Fashion Annual Show, which has celebrated African designers for over 25 years, further cements his influence.
For Lazare, raffia is more than fabric it is symbolic wealth. “When I saw the presidents’ reactions to my creations, I felt like they were diamonds,” he said.
As president of the Association of Gabonese Stylists and Creators, Lazare mentors emerging designers, ensuring that raffia’s legacy continues to inspire future generations. His vision is clear: to see raffia recognised globally as a cultural and economic treasure for Gabon and Africa.
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