Faso Dan Fani (FDF)
Faso Dan Fani (FDF)
“To wear the Faso Dan Fani is an economic, cultural and political act of defiance to imperialism,” said Thomas Sankara in 1986.
The traditional Burkinabé woven loincloth, the Faso Dan Fani, is made up of several strips which are then assembled to form a large fabric. Originally from Burkina-Faso, Faso Dan Fani which means "woven loincloth of the homeland" is a fabric woven with cotton threads. It was the legendary Thomas Sankara who, in a desire to promote the riches of his country through his products, brought this noble fabric to the fore. A fervent defender of the emancipation of women through the weaving trade, he enabled them to become major players in the local economy.
“”In every village in Burkina Faso, we know how to grow cotton. In all the villages, women know how to spin cotton, men know how to weave this thread in loincloths and other men know how to sew these loincloths in clothes. We must not be a slave to what others produce.” Thomas Sankara made it mandatory that the Faso Dan Fani be worn in the workplace.
“We must not be a slave to what others produce.” ~ Thomas Sankara
Burkina Faso is one Africa’s top cotton producers. According to an article by Africa News, ‘over 90% of its output was classed as high quality long- or medium-staple by the country’s cotton companies.’ (The length of the fibre is a quality indicator.
Sankara was determined to promote the liberation of women through work and the development of national productions. An Advocate or Women’s rights, he had five women in cabinet during his term among other notable moves.
Weaving has always been part of their tradition and supporting the use of the cloth meant growing employment. While men would weave the cotton thread into cloth, women would traditionally be tasked with the spinning. Gradually, women managed to adopt the weaving business as well.
2008
Divine's Design was first established by Burkinabé and Canadian designer Martine Dabiré in Dakar, Senegal. Named after her daughter born in 2007, Martine opens her first physical store in Dakar. Operating out of her home garage, Divine's Design early clients were diplomats, missionaries, political figures and local celebrities.
2010
With her riveting collections and fashion shows, Martine Dabiré quickly shook up up the industry gaining reputation and local fame. She showcases her products across West Africa with popular events in Senegal and Burkina Faso. With Senegal as a hotspot for fashion, she quickly begins to pique the interest of a notable clientele.
2012
Ripe with success, the company opens their second physical store in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. With its native roots exuding from her styles, the brand quickly becomes popular, especially with the Faso Dan Fani (FDF), a textile from Burkina Faso. This expansion helped bridge relationships with prominent cotton producers in Burkina Faso. She quickly gains and strengthens her loyal following of refined clientele including political figures, diplomats and missionaries within Africa.
2014
To excel in her art, Martine Dabiré pursues and receives a specialization in Fashion Design and Cutting Techniques at the Academy of Design in Toronto (Yorkville University) while catering to a novel market in Toronto, Canada. Whilst living there, she embraces the Canadians' appreciation for diversity and incorporates novel techniques and styles in her collections.
2015
With a riveting market demand from "Le Pays de la Sape" Divine's Design expands their operations to Kinshasa, Congo. The company quickly acquires popularity with their fashion shows.
2017
More employees were welcomed aboard, resulting in a successful company expansion - one that reaches unique and international clients with higher demand and more personalized needs. This allows Martine Dabire to begin her new line of 'Haute Couture' products.
2019
Divine's Design expanded their business to neighboring country; Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo. There, the company embelished the Haute Couture and Made-to-Fit Line for their clients consisting mainly of diplomats, political figures and celebrities.
2022
Divine's Design continues to produce for its various clients, curate collections and participate in annual Fashion shows. They are set to locates their manufacturing to Dakar, Senegal to accomodate for increasing demand and prepares to start shipping their Haute Couture line internationally.