Alphadi Roars His Way Into Paris Haute Couture Season
By: Contributing Writer
Photos courtesy of Alphadi

PARIS, Jul 29, 2004/ FW/ --- African couturier Alphadi (photo at left) roared like a lion as he presented his collection during Paris’ haute couture season after years of absence from the Paris runways.

Showing at the Galliera Fashion Museum in Paris’ old money 16th Arrondissement, Alphadi gave us a real taste of African glamour. Nothing was spared in putting together this wild and exotic collection.

Alphadi is always jovial and filled with the gift of a natural bonhomie. Although he dresses the wives of nearly every African head of state and ambassador, as well as the wives of European diplomats and heads of State on visit to Africa, he believes that couture should be organic. For him his couture should be ready to move directly from the runway to the client’s body with great ease and no discomfort.

This collection featured natural raffia, silks, seashells, furs, etc. His fabrics are hand-painted and covered in beautiful tribal motifs. As some fabrics delicate and must be painted twice, they serve to attest to the attention that is required to bring each piece to life.

His bustiers dominate the entire collection. Some even bear a striking resemblance to traditional ceremonial masks. In seeing them, one can feel in his blood the unbridled natural rhythms of Africa’s drumbeats.

His tailleurs, suits and evening gowns are as always irreproachable. They bring together the world of African materials with the elegance of high society.

Truth be known, Alphadi is a sworn enemy of the animal rights group PETA. Yet his use of leopard skins in the confectioning of his coats was an artistic achievement in itself, yet a great blow in the protection of animals.

Alphadi adores a complete look for women. The hair is always pulled back. Every looked accessorized with beautiful earrings, stunning colliers and artful bracelets. Some colliers are so over the top that they can actually be used in the place of a top or even judged as works of art.

Alphadi

Alphadi

Alphadi

Alphadi