Magician of the desert: Alphadi | Fashion Designer | V&A

Known as the 'magician of the desert', fashion designer Alphadi references African histories in his work, creating designs to represent strong women – independent and dynamic, pursuing their dreams. Born in Timbuktu in Mali just before the country's independence from France, Alphadi uses his fashion as a vehicle for unity and prosperity. His designs celebrate the beauty of the African continent, as well as its rich histories and cultures. Apprenticed to master couturier Mister Ouseman Chirfi between the ages of seven and twelve, he learnt fashion design at an early age and later studied at the Atelier Chardon Savard, Paris. With global ambition, he has opened boutiques all over the world, including in Casablanca, New York, Accra, and locations in Martinique and Spain. In 1998 he founded the Festival International de la Mode Africaine (International Festival of African Fashion) or FIMA, supported by UNESCO. The first event, hosted in the Tiguidit desert in Niger, included designers such as Chris Seydou, Pathé'O, Oumou Sy, Yves Saint Laurent and Kenzō. Over 5000 people from more than 52 countries flew to the desert to witness Alphadi's fashion and culture extravaganza. Discover more about Alphadi:https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/magician-of-the-desert-alphadi Find out more about the Africa Fashion exhibition: https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/africa-fashion