Pointe-Noire, the Republic of Congo’s economic capital, became a vibrant stage for African creativity as designers, models, and fashion enthusiasts gathered for the 13th edition of the Carrousel International de la Mode, held from June 4 to 7, 202G.
This year’s theme, “African Textiles: From Heritage to Global Value,” underscored the event’s mission to elevate traditional fabrics into the global fashion conversation. Founder and director Pascaline Kabré Turmel explained that the focus was on encouraging participants to share and reinterpret the textiles of their countries, bridging cultural heritage with international markets.
Congolese couturier Marco, founder of Marco Fashion in Kinshasa, unveiled a collection crafted entirely from fabrics produced in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His designs spotlighted Kuba cloth and raffia, materials deeply rooted in Central African tradition, reimagined for contemporary luxury.
Cameroonian designer Tiny Tiknyemb presented L’Unité, a collection blending three distinct Cameroonian textiles to symbolize national cohesion. His work reflected how fashion can serve as both cultural expression and a unifying force across diverse communities.
After thirteen editions, the Carrousel International de la Mode has firmly positioned Pointe-Noire as a creative hub in Central Africa. Beyond celebrating craftsmanship, the event has become a platform for emerging talent, industry networking, and the promotion of African textiles as valuable assets in the global fashion economy.
By merging heritage with innovation, the Fashion Carousel continues to demonstrate how African creativity can shape both cultural identity and international commerce.
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