Africa in France

Wax and kita explained Alice Ehui Eba are the very fabric of Ivorian society. These brightly coloured  pieces of cotton with their genorous curvy patterns  made a big splash in my small French town and created an atmosphere of joi de vivre à l'Africaine. 
In West Africa they go back to early colonial times and to the Asian technique of batik. Nowadays the patterns and colours are printed on the fabric, but the name of the wax used for batik sticks.

Alice, the stylist from Ivory Coast showed her amazing creativity in a fashion défilée for women, children and even men. Ample pelerines, swinging dresses, bomber jackets and coats, all made from wax.


The traditional meaning of every colour and curve was duly explained. Red means rich and blue love, some patterns are hidden love letters. These connotatios may be lost to the Western customer, but the riot of colour is intriguing. Some ladies in the audience already showed off their West African blouse or shirt handmade by Alice.




She has recently relocated to France and hopes to open her proper shop soon. At present an association of friends is providing her with a place to sow and to show her ware.







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