Burkina Faso

CLO DESIGN: Reviving Faso Dan Fani for a Sustainable Future

As a young entrepreneur from Burkina Faso, I've observed a lack of interest in African clothing among those it should matter most—the Africans themselves. Yet, promoting the use of locally produced fashion items can help create wealth across the continent.

Faso Dan Fani is one of the oldest and most cherished fabrics in Burkina Faso. Known for its texture, elegance, and timeless appeal, Faso Dan Fani is experiencing a resurgence in global fashion circles, and we aim to ensure its continued growth. Our goal is to revitalize this cultural treasure by producing and promoting modern, innovative versions of the fabric. By launching a continental campaign starting with Burkina Faso, we hope to boost local pride and raise awareness of African culture on a global stage.

Our Story

I first learned about Faso Dan Fani from my grandfather, a skilled weaver, and my mother. I've cherished this fabric since childhood, and after completing my master’s degree in 2016, I was determined to innovate and modernize it. This led to the creation of CLO DESIGN, where we produce what we call Faso Dan Fani Smart: a lighter, stronger, more colorful, moldable, and comfortable version of the traditional fabric.

Empowering Women Through Weaving

At CLO DESIGN, we are committed to social impact. We train young girls from underprivileged backgrounds, including internally displaced girls due to Burkina Faso's security crisis, to weave and create ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, and more. We currently employ ten women who weave and transform Faso Dan Fani into beautiful products, enabling them to support their families and regain a sense of purpose and empowerment.

By producing high-quality, locally made products, we aim not only to preserve our cultural heritage but also to contribute to the economic empowerment of women in our community.

Claudette Sebgo