Macidouce: African fashion and couture at heart

GABON

At 28 years old, Macidouce has a passion for fashion in her soul. Initially a professional hairdresser, she recently retrained in haute couture and the manufacture of fashion accessories. With each new collection, it's the effervescence of his friends and family around his products. This allowed him to nurture personal ambitions in the business world. While in Libreville, Gabon, she was kind enough to grant Artiaf a brief interview, the content of which we reproduce to you.

Artiaf : Hello, Madam! Who is Macidouce?

Macidouce : Hello! It's a long story... Macidouce is in fact the representation of two entities. It's both the name of my product brand and my proper first name. I was born here in Gabon. I am a young passionate fashion and design designer. I am based in Kampala, Uganda where I carry out my creative activities.

Artiaf: Fashion and design, what exactly do you produce?

Macidouce : I sew clothes, fashion accessories and handcrafted decorative objects. With the help of other Ugandan seamstresses, I regularly put collections of women's and children's clothing on the local market. My outfits are usually African-inspired. I remain influenced by cultural trends from countries such as: Gabon, Ivory Coast, Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. My concept is to popularize "made in Africa".

Artiaf : In Kampala? You are a long way from your homeland. What for?

Macidouce : Yes, I've been living in Kampala, Uganda, for three years now. I have an expatriate status because my husband is assigned there for professional reasons. So I live between France, Gabon and Uganda. Which is not easy, by the way. Artiaf: Why did you choose the fashion industry?

Macidouce : To tell the truth, I've been involved in creative activities since I was a child. Even as a child, I had fun styling and sewing patterns for my dolls. It's a simple logical consequence that a few years later I became a professional hairdresser. Indeed, in 2012 I obtained, in Normandy (France), a Certificate of Professional Aptitude (CAP) in European hairdressing. Back in Gabon, I only worked as a hairdresser for a few months at the Yacine Bongo Spa in Libreville. Then, in 2015, my husband was posted to Uganda. That's when I got another inspiration, including getting into sewing and design. Without prior training, "I took the plunge."

Artiaf : You have skilled hands, we can see. But how do you do it?

Macidouce : I'm self-taught. I haven't had any training as I told you before. I'm just passionate about fashion. When I design, I conceive, I bring my ideas, colors and finishes. I have used local seamstresses here for cutting and sewing. I won't hide from you that in my spare time and in order not to lose my hand, I often go back to styling the hair of some Westerners living here in Kampala.

Artiaf : How do you go about designing new models?

Macidouce : [laughs] It's simple, to design new models, I give free rein to my inspiration. I rely on typically African aspirations to which I combine modern currents, particularly Western ones. For the choice of fabrics? That's a secret. But, I'll tell you anyway. I usually call on my grandmother. She really knows a thing or two about loincloths. We choose the best fabrics: mainly wax, "real wax".

Artiaf : And what do your customers think?

Macidouce : Here in Kampala, my clients are mostly wives of European expats, friends and a few relatives. They are very satisfied. It is in Gabon and France that my creations have conquered a wider audience. My items sell like little pieces of bread: African dresses and outfits for women and children, bags, necklaces, everything goes there.

Artiaf : Do you have a dream?

Macidouce : Yes, of course, I have several. I dream of opening a "Made in Africa, 100% wax" clothing store here in Kampala where I can display my products. I would also like to participate in exhibitions and fashion shows across the continent.

Artiaf : Are you facing any difficulties in your business?

Macidouce : No! At all!

Artiaf : What advice do you have for young people who would like to start a business like you?

Macidouce : Starting a business is a real challenge and a magnificent challenge with its pitfalls. Nothing is impossible to him who believes. You have to put all the chances on your side through effort if you really want to sustain your structure.

Artiaf : Your final remarks.

Macidouce : Take it one step at a time to develop your business in the most pragmatic way possible. Establish a development plan.

Artiaf : Macidouce, thank you!

Article first published on Artiaf on March 23, 2018