In Dakar, fashion bridges generations around Senegalese craftsmanship

In Dakar, fashion aims to move beyond a simple confrontation between tradition and innovation. The Pont des Styles fair, scheduled for December 4, 5, and 6 at the Pathé Cinema, seeks to bring together elders, young creators, artisans, entrepreneurs, and women’s organizations with a shared goal: to transmit skills without freezing them.

At the heart of the project, Mariama Soumaré advocates for a fashion that facilitates the exchange of experience between generations. In Senegal, the initiative aims to connect those who master traditional artisanal techniques with younger designers, who are accustomed to different tools, creative rhythms, and new sales channels.

This intergenerational aspect sets the event apart from a fair focused solely on collections. According to Le Soleil and EnQuête+, Pont des Styles is also intended to serve as a platform for creative entrepreneurship, aiming to enhance visibility for creators while valuing the experience of seniors and the role of women in fashion-related activities.

The project is progressing towards its inaugural edition. EnQuête+ reports that it is primarily self-funded, while discussions are underway with institutional partners and support structures for entrepreneurship. The Senegalese Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Handicrafts has approved a request from the organizers, as communicated by Mariama Soumaré to the media.

Scène Africaine also announces “Jaaba,” a sales exhibition dedicated to cultural and artisanal products. The event will bring together creators, cultural actors, women’s organizations, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers, with a clear focus on pieces that engage in dialogue between memory, contemporary use, and transmission.

The fair is scheduled for December 4 to 6, 2026, at the Pathé Cinema in Dakar. The announced program includes clothing, accessories, crafts, a sales exhibition, and professional meetings.