Fashion Advice From Senegal’s Eva Gabarra

Courtesy: Dunia Magazine print / Nov 2010 -Feb 2011 issue


Eva Gabarra is a renowned Senegalese fashion designer whose work influence reaches across many different countries. She was kind to chat with us and offer some much needed fashion advice:

Who is Eva Gabarra?
I am currently based in Paris, Hamburg and Dakar. In 2005, I launched my Brand: Eva Gabarra which opened the doors for me to receive recognition from leading fashion designers as well as the much talked about Vlisco. In 2009, I was awarded 1st prize in a contest for young designers in Paris organized by Vlisco.

I have been Vlisco’s International ambassador for 2 years. My portfolio includes participation in well known fashion events worldwide such as the Fashion Weeks in Dakar, Paris and London; the 4th and 5th Editions of SIRA VISION; the 4th Edition of LABO ETNIK; Who’s Next 2010,  Miss High Fashion Mali, Miss Cosmopolitan Paris 2010, Netherlands National day, as well as the country’s queen’s birthday, BIENNALE in Dakar 2010, BIMOD 228 Vlisco Show.

I draw and create Haute Couture designs with Vlisco wax, silk, lace, moussline, silk organza, brocade and sequins.

What motivates you?
My motivation comes from the love and passion I have for fashion, the desire to create and to show my imagination.

My goal is to make the brand Eva Gabarra known worldwide. I strive to design a collection that will sell in clothing stores everywhere. I am also motivated by the love, support and encouragement from the people around me.

How would you describe your style?
Eva Gabarra is extravagant, colorful, glamorous, elegant, and multicultural. It is also the image of a woman who is warm, energetic, modern, mysterious, exciting and passionate.

What are your thoughts on Elegance?
To me elegance is synonymous to purity, sensuality, confidence, sophistication, allure, charm, mixed with some exoticism. A woman must possess and cultivate these qualities in order to dress with distinction and grace.

Fashion advice??
My advice to readers is dare to wear colors that are synonymous with happiness, love, passion, warmth. Have your own style. Track and embrace fashion trends, remember that every season comes with several new styles … but please, avoid becoming a fashion victim like me (smile).

For black women living in Europe and Africa, now is the time to make outfits (casual or evening dresses) with wax and other printed materials.  This has already become a trend in the USA; almost all of our favorite stars have made appearances in cute little outfits made from these: Beyonce and Solange Knowles, Rihanna, Fergie, Keshia Cole, Kelis, Kerry Hilson, Gwen Staphani, Alicia Keys, Kimora Lee, Estelle … etc.

I have also started introducing this to some Afro stars such as Ma Sane, Monica Pereira, Ayden Ramin and a few women in diplomatic positions such as ambassadors and I hope many others will follow.

Thanks Dunia Magazine for granting me this interview, for shinning the light on my passion which is Fashion.

(Eva’s first language is French. This interview translated from French to English by Marie Chokote)

EVA GABARRA Designs Photos

>> Ethno Tendance Fashion Week-End Bruxelles

Website: eva-gabarra.com

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