Interview with Pathé’O, Model Designer,  » The MASA mourns Ismaël Diaby  ».
As part of season 2 of the Limited Edition, the support program for the career development of designers Fashion-Arts of textile and accessories organized by the International Organization of la Francophonie (OIF), the stylist Pathé’O, who is in charge of its practical organization, presented during the MASA 2016 a collection in tribute to Ismaël Diaby, previously General Coordinator of the Market of the African Performing Arts.
Your collection on the occasion of the Limited Edition Parade was a tribute to Ismaël Diaby who died recently. Who was it for the stylist you are ?
We must pay tribute to Ismael. Personally, I did not get to know him much. But I knew what he was doing because we are in the same cultural environment. On the eve of his death, Ishmael was at my home (Tuesday, February 23) and on Wednesday morning, his death was announced. Four days before the opening of the MASA, I had a collection that was already designed. But I was obliged to transform it. I was affected by his death. The collection I presented at the Limited Edition show was not the one originally planned. That’s why I put the emphasis on white and black. Ismaël represents a lot for the artists and the cultural environment. It should not be forgotten that he was the MASA coordinator. When he left, I imagine the vacuum created by his absence within MASA. We have demonstrated that he is not dead and that he is still alive. We will always remember him.
Why the choice of black and white for this tribute ?
To represent sadness (black) and joy (white). He left behind him so many things that represent joy for us. There is certainly sadness on one side, but there is joy on the other hand. Ishmael is not dead for nothing.
As a trainer for Limited Editions, what are the lessons you teach your students ?
They must continue putting their trust in us. “La Francophonie” must continue helping young stylists because training is the foundation of everything. Without training, you cannot do anything. Today, it is rare to find people who are well trained because these young people do not give themselves time for it. People are in a hurry to evolve. Too bad! We are at a stage where training is paramount. Without training, there is no future. The OIF has understood this and the message that it sends us reassures us. We are therefore ready to continue this experience with her.
Do you believe that young people understand the need for training ?
Of course. For those who are already in the profession, they understand it. They depend on it. They have no choice but to learn, train and work hard. I do not see other ways to reach a level and a goal if you cannot do anything. For example, when you receive your clients in your workshop, you become aware of your own know-how. You have to be well trained to be comfortable in front of the customer.
Speaking of succession, what names come to your mind ?
In the fashion, there is no succession. We die with the pair of scissors in hand, as Paco Rabanne says. Fashion, the older it gets, the better it is.