Lomé, the vibrant capital of Togo, pulsed with style and purpose as the 12th edition of the International Fashion Festival, FIMO 228, wrapped up over the weekend. But this year, beneath the glitz and glamour, the event embraced a deeper mission: raising awareness for breast cancer prevention.
Far from being just a catwalk spectacle, the festival used fashion as a platform for advocacy. For Ivorian designer Nina Bornier, the cause is more than just symbolic—it’s deeply personal. Her collection, aptly titled Panacea, echoed themes of healing and hope. “I’ve watched loved ones battle breast cancer. This collection is my way of honoring them and spreading a message of strength,” she shared. Inspired by nature and the resilience it represents, her designs were an ode to universal healing.
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Young Togolese designer Eugénie Guidi Ayawa brought a bold and refreshing voice to the runway. Rejecting narrow beauty ideals, her collection, La Vie en Couleur, was a celebration of African femininity in all its forms. “I wanted to embrace African roundness—the curves that tell stories. It’s a love letter to African women: you are beautiful just as you are,” she said passionately.
At the heart of FIMO 228 is founder Jacques Logoh, who launched the festival in 2016 with the dream of giving African fashion the global spotlight it deserves. As he watched another successful edition unfold, Logoh reflected on the cultural shift taking place. “There’s a growing pride in wearing African-made designs. Local fashion is no longer a second thought—it’s becoming the first choice,” he noted.
As the lights dimmed and the curtains closed on this year’s edition, one thing was clear: FIMO 228 isn’t just about fashion. It’s about identity, healing, and using creativity to spark meaningful conversations. And next year, the festival promises to return with even more stories stitched into every seam.
