Photographer Berov I.
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The Imane Ayissi Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture collection, titled “Ozouandam Ollat,” was more than a fashion show; it was a deeply personal and cultural voyage.
In 2020, Ayissi became the first sub-Saharan African designer admitted to the official Paris Haute Couture calendar, marking a milestone in fashion history.
Held at the historic Aéro-Club de France in Paris, the presentation immediately transported its audience into a world of travel and memory. True to its setting, the show commenced with a theatrical voiceover announcing, “Your flight to the ‘grande couture’ is about to take off,” seamlessly setting the stage for a collection inspired by movement, family, and cultural fusion.
This theme of travel was not arbitrary but a heartfelt tribute to the designer’s late mother, Julienne Honorine Eyenga Ayissi, who balanced a career as a model with that of an air stewardess. Through this collection, Imane Ayissi embarked on a metaphorical journey between continents, generations, and artistic traditions, transforming his personal history into a visual narrative of elegance and craftsmanship. The very name of the collection, “Ozouandam Ollat,” derived from the Fang and Beti languages of Cameroon, is an attempt to define a new couture language – one that is elevated, respected, and deeply connected to the handwork and sewing processes of his heritage.
The designer masterfully blended the traditions of his home country with a distinctly modern haute couture vision. This fusion was evident in his choice of materials and silhouettes. While the spirit of the collection was rooted in African artistry, the execution was thoroughly contemporary and sculptural. Ayissi utilized his signature raffia alongside handwoven fabrics and intricate Kente cloth, which were then reimagined through the lens of Parisian couture. Techniques such as sculptural draping, delicate pleating, and elaborate embroidery transformed traditional textiles into bold, architectural forms. The palette was equally striking, featuring vibrant hues of cobalt blue, amethyst, fuchsia, and scarlet, which animated the collection with energy and life.
“Ozouandam Ollat” stood as a testament to Imane Ayissi’s unique ability to honor his roots while pushing the boundaries of modern fashion. By inviting the audience on a “flight to grande couture,” he not only celebrated his mother’s legacy and his Cameroonian heritage but also offered a fresh perspective on what couture can represent in a globalized world – a beautiful convergence of memory, culture, and forward-thinking design.
Official website Imane Ayissi
Official Instagram Imane Ayissi
