Love Letters | Fatoumatta Guirassy of Gueras Fatim writes to her Kéléké dress
We at Story Magazine love a great narrative. We are intrgued by the stories behind a design. We love seeing how press samples are moved across country and internationally. We are also all about behind editorial shoots, fashion shows and fittings. We love seeing a garment go from inspiration to boutique. We know how important it is, that you have knowledge about the inspiration behind your favorite designs. So it is with great pleasure that designers and creatives can express the affection for their work with us
Fatoumata Guirassy studied fashion design in France and went on to work at Balenciaga, Celine and at McQueen. She then founded her own brand called ‘Gueras Fatim’. The brand name is a play on her own name. Her work is bold, strong, adventurous and cultural. Her woman is able to balance the sophisticated and the casual, allowing for both masculine and feminine inspiration influencing what they wear.
Fatoumata writes a letter to her beloved ‘kéléké’ dress as seen in the images below. Please read on and discover the ‘kéléké’ dress through the words of it’s designer.
Dear kéléké Dress ,
You are the materlization of the Gueras Fatim woman; strong , sensual and fierce .
When I am staring at you I can hear the voice of the griot hollering the maiden name of my mother « Diawara Kéléké ». Diawara’s means « the wild beast » They are part of the first occupant of the Kingdom of Mandé ( Mali ).
And kéléké which means warrior is one of their well knowned qualifiers, it is from there that you get this strength of character .
As I walk the silky fabric your are made off, is like a divine caresse on my skin , you make me feel protected .
You underline my curves and make all my movements elegant , All eyes on me when the wind cross your splits to reveal my legs .
My favorite part of you is the detail of your back that shows the most sensual part of a woman’s body and tells her story .
As your soul , your color is vibrant and soft at the same time you shine to the sunlight and you become light at nightfall .
The pleats of your corset have the power to be unbreakable and as soon as I wear you , we are one ! Me and my armor ready to conquer .
I always observe an immediate change of behavior in women who get the chance to wear you no matter where they come from, you make them feel more confident, because you impose a noble and distinguished head carriage .
I hope to see you on incredible women and and why not on the main character of a film that tells the story of a warrior of modern times .
Your designer, Fatoumata.
What a letter, what affection, what inspiration. It is without a doubt that Fatoumata understands her design so well. Thank you to Fatoumata for sharing such a vulnerable piece.