Design Collection

Kindred Heritage: Mama Wata

My thesis explores the designing of a collection of customizable clothing inspired by the water spirit “Mama Wata”. Through this collection, I created designs that are easily adaptable and appealing to the African diaspora using traditional African making methods and materials. The techniques used to create these works include beading, embroidery and strip weaving.

Fashion design Textiles construction Weaving and Embroidery.

Fashion

"ABUNDANCE & WATA" Trousers

The embroidered and woven textiles used to create this collection are both reflected in these trousers. These bottoms can be easily worn and matched to whatever top the wearer chooses to create a striking look.

Fashion

"ABUNDANCE" Bodice

This bodice is inspired by the duality of Mama Wata and it is one side of a reversible bodice. The surface application of this garment is an affirmation of abundance as cowrie shells were once used a form of currency in West Africa.

Fashion

"ABUNDANCE" Bustier

This bustier matches the Abundance Bodice and is also is based on the concept of duality associated with Mama Wata and one side of a reversible garment. The use of cowrie shells on the surface application is an affirmation of abundance as the... More

Fashion

"PURITY" Wrap Skirt

In a lot of cultures, white is thought to represent purity and is often reserved for the noblest and most pure.

Fashion

"TIDE" Sleeves

The "Tide" sleeves are an easy way to elevate the look of the bustiers and create a whole new style.

Fashion

"WATA" Bodice

This piece is inspired by the duality of Mama Wata and it is one side of a reversible bodice. The handwoven cloth is a visual symbol of her characteristics as I drew on her personality traits and traditional colour theory to represent her.

Fashion

"WATA" Bustier

The Wata Bustier is a garment is inspired by the duality of Mama Wata and it is the reverse side of the Abundance Bustier. This top can be paired with the Abundance/Wata bodices to create a fun and more colourful garment The handwoven cloth is a... More

Fashion

"WATA" Mini Skirt

The "Wata" mini skirt is a wrap skirt that is easily adaptable.

Work by

Aichoucha Haidara aka. Haidara

Material Art And Design

“I focus on creating works that are inspired by my cultural heritage because it helps me stay connected and discover new things about my heritage. I love to be inspired by myths and stories and I love...” [More]