Fabrice Zaady Launches Pan-African Fashion Competition in Abidjan

Ivorian designer Fabrice Zaady, born Guy Fabrice Mahi, is organizing the first Zaady Fashion Day in Abidjan on May 30, 2026. The event is a pan-African fashion competition aimed at supporting young designers across the continent. Zaady, based in Paris, describes it as "a day of inspiration, sharing, and cultural pride." The winner receives €3,000 for materials, studio rental, or communication development. Zaady's own career began in childhood, learning sewing from his mother and grandmother. He is self-taught, using digital resources, and his workshop earned the "Fabriqué à Paris" label. A pivotal moment was a 2018 collection created with his late mother, which won three prizes in Italy, including International Designer. His clients include singers Anne Sila, Black M, and Fally Ipupa. Zaady emphasizes that African fashion is part of universal fashion, not a separate category.