Wazal Couture, founded in 2005 by French-Cameroonian designer Joseph
Ayissi, launched the 2016/2017 collection, 'Ova Tété', in Paris
recently. Ayissi's pieces comprise modern and innovative silhouettes and
high quality Senegalese and Malian wax prints.
This article was originally published on
OneVybe Magazine.
The 2016 BEFFTA
Award nominee's range also demonstrate innovative capabilities and
ability to mix various colours, prints and materials such as pure
cotton, denim and leather.

This
collection is inspired by the Cameroonian slang word, 'Ova,' used to
refer to an important or noble person and Tété, which refers to chic and
bourgeois. Ayissi said that he prefers being ahead of his time because
"the fashion world is in constant evolution."

The
name Wazal is a blend of "WAZA", the name of a natural park in north
Cameroon, and "L" for Lion, the Cameroonian symbol. The natural park
symbolises respect while the lion symbolizes power.
In creating
his own brand, Ayissi, also known as JJ Du Style, is following in the
footsteps of his father, a tailor. Pioneer Cameroonian fashion designers
Imane Ayissi and Martial Topolo also inspire him.

Ayissi
studied his craft at the Vanessa Ruiz Fashion School in Paris and he
later on specialised in creating tuxedo jackets, which he started
selling in 2013 under the label "Fly Tété."
Celebrities such as Romaric Koffi and musicians Singuila, Wayne Beckford, Lalcko, Al Peco, have worn Wazal Couture clothes.

Ayissi
also has a socially conscious outlook and has worked with the
Ambassador of Cameroon to Paris in 2013 for the exhibition of the
Cameroonian youth and the Fashion Night Lounge at the Elysee Palace in
Paris.

At
the event, Ayissi presented his three fashion lines: WazalRock, Fly
Tété and Africafutur. These concepts are based on what has symbolised
his career right from the beginning, including: Daring, Respect and
Creation.
For more information:
http://www.wazalshop.com/https://www.facebook.com/WAZAL-Couture-1586269991620768/
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