Three years ago, I came across a beautiful black-and-white print jumpsuit.
I can still remember the beat of my jumpsuit-loving heart skipped on seeing it. It was different. It was bold. It was everything.
One click led me to Tongoro’s website – it was love at first on-screen sight. What made the moment even more serendipitous was finding out Tongoro was an African brand. I made my first purchase, received the striking silky-smooth piece in the mail,and realised I needed more.
More Tongoro for my closet, of course – but more knowledge about the artist that created this brand that so spoke to me.
My online research taught me Tongoro – and its stunning cuts and prints – was born from the mind of a Senegalese creator, Sarah Diouf.
Did I immediately head to her personal Instagram account and reach out to her? Yes, yes I did!
African fashion is my love language, people. Fast-forward three years and I’m spending four whole days in Sarah’s home country of Senegal – sitting on the floor in her home, sharing tea and stories.
She is as approachable as they come – her presence isn’t just inspiring, as so many artists’ are, it’s refreshing. Had you told my jumpsuit-loving, online-sleuthing self three years ago I would be writing these words, reminiscing on the most magical shared time with the creator whose work I relished, I would have told you I admired your sense of humour and wild imagination.
Don’t you love when life surprises us with the experiences we are so sure are impossible?
(read the full story in issue 06)
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