XULY.Bët which means “keep your eyes open” in wolof, is a Parisian fashion house founded in 1991. Born in Lamine Kouyaté’s mind, who moved from his native Bamako, Mali to Paris around 1982. While studying architecture in Strasbourg, Kouyaté fell in love with the Parisian fashion scene and moved to Paris to begin working as a clothing designer. He soon launched a subversive type of fashion, sustainable but also modern and offering women a new liberty.
The designer Lamine Kouyaté’s is one of the pioneers of the contemporary African Fashion movement, we are more delighted about his comeback in 2015. He attracted attention with his creativity and unmistakable style in the 90’s, guerrilla fashion shows within the Parisian Haute Couture scene. In his collections he uses recycled fabrics, also found textiles, which he works on, modifies and transforms individually. His high-end fashion pieces have become an integral part of the international fashion scene.
Photo Credit: Fatoumata Diabate
Styling: Azza Yousif