Montreal-based designer Angy Foly finds empowerment in dressing women in vibrant West African robes known as boubous. She sees it as a way to honor her Ivorian heritage and connect with the women who influenced her. Foly, aged 25, was among six Montreal designers showcasing their creations at the debut of the Africa Fashion exhibition at the McCord Stewart Museum.
This exclusive exhibition, the only Canadian stop on its global tour, seamlessly blends African tradition with contemporary innovation. It features pieces from both 20th-century fashion trailblazers and modern runway sensations. Foly expressed her personal resonance with the showcased designs, hoping they will resonate with Montrealers as well.
Christine Checinska, the lead curator from London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, emphasized the narrative of agency, abundance, and boundless creativity across the African fashion landscape. The exhibition spotlights 45 designers, particularly focusing on today’s creators who seek greater visibility in North America.
Arlette Éhode, the philanthropy director at the Montreal Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre, emphasized the significance of showcasing African creatives to bridge connections with the diaspora. This exhibition not only introduces diverse fashion beyond stereotypes but also educates on high fashion and everyday wear from Africa.
The theme of agency runs through the exhibition, symbolized by the independence of 17 African countries in 1960, a pivotal year known as the “Year of Africa.” This era saw the emergence of designers like Shade Thomas-Fahm, Nigeria’s first fashion icon, who blended traditional and western designs to reflect Nigerian pride.
The exhibition also highlights the resurgence of traditional African textiles in urban settings and international platforms. Senegalese artist Marième Mboup, based in Montreal, underscores the importance of understanding the historical significance of African textiles in her work.
Mboup draws inspiration from her family, particularly her mother and sister, who exemplify Senegalese elegance and sartorial culture. Similarly, Arlette Éhode pays tribute to her mother and father, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for African fashion and identity.
For Foly, fashion runs in her blood, with her grandmother and mother deeply rooted in the industry. Her brand, Elle She Her, aims to leave a lasting impact on the fashion world by blending her heritage with contemporary aesthetics. She anticipates the Montreal exhibition will enrich the local fashion scene as she prepares to launch her latest collection.
Montreal’s diverse and inclusive environment provides a fertile ground for cultural expression, where voices from various backgrounds are welcomed and celebrated. Foly believes that Montreal’s multicultural ethos aligns perfectly with her vision of sharing her culture through fashion.