“African Designers should work towards increasing market shares”
Pathé’O is a leading actor in the African, and even global, fashion and design sector. Here, he airs his opinions on CANEX WKND, the meeting of African creatives, which took place in Abidjan, from 25 to 27 November 2022. He seizes this opportunity to give some advice to the younger generation in the fashion industry.
What are your feelings about this gathering of creatives from Africa and the Diaspora in which you are currently participating in Abidjan?
I think it is an excellent initiative. We need external light. Our designers together, have found that such an initiative is beneficial to us and should be commended. It is true that we are well-known in Côte d’Ivoire, but if our products are exported, it would really be a good thing.
Do you think that CANEX WKND 2022 could effectively serve as a platform for providing worldwide visibility for African cultural products?
Yes. Going strictly by what people say, it is an event that will be broadcast outside Africa. Therefore, there is the immediate local aspect, as well as another aspect, where everything will be seen outside the continent. In my opinion, it is a good initiative to organise and participate in such a meeting. It will have a massive media impact for all stakeholders in the African fashion industry.
You are now considered a “legend” in the African fashion industry. What advice can you give to youths in this sector? I ask the youths to be patient and work hard. Indeed, we are not the only ones in the world. If we do not work hard, we will be stifled by the others. We should join hands and work extremely hard in order not to be faced with unnecessary problems. Work patiently and courageously, and above all learn to depend on ourselves.