Dialogue is Samym’s new Autumn-Winter collection, a concept store dedicated to the dialogue between Tunisia and Africa that opened a few months ago at La Marsa. Already, the brand exports and exhibits its creations in Abidjan, the Ivorian capital and its spear in other countries of West Africa
For this 2017 collection, it is the sublime actress Rym El Benna and the talented actor Mohamed Mrad who took the pose and put forward the collection “Clothing” of Samym.
Samym means in Arabic (at the heart of the thing). And it is precisely in the heart of Africa that the creative Meriem Dridi ep Nalletamby is inspired and seeks weddings and influences to feed her creations. The young woman works as well on wood, fabrics, ceramics, ….
For this Clothing by Samym collection, Meriem Dridi ep Nalletamby proposes an initiatory journey for the loincloth and its various meanings and symbols. The most important thing is to understand that in Africa, fabrics speak and express anger, demands, demands, joy, lightness, equality …
WAX, much more than a fabric!
It is important to remember that the made wax loincloth is more than a garment, it becomes, through the name it carries, a means of communication. Its message has its source in crises, social changes, sufferings, joys, etc., that is to say, that it reflects the entire emotional and social life in an information that is always current. Some motifs are created during an event, and characterize an ethnic group, a region, an era. Different loincloths are worn according to the moment of the life of wife or mother.
In her note of intention, Meriem Dridi ep Nalletamby explains: “The wax loincloth, nowadays an industrial product, invites us to go through its social, political and affective traceability, tamed by the magic of the different names associated with it. The loincloth, woven or printed, made in garment, marries the forms of the body and is worn everyday.This fabric becomes language, because it displays messages that express events, desires, memories.So, in its revealing function, the wax pagne unfolds the story of a people, made of passions, constantly inviting dialogue through the use of the names that designate it “
The Dialogue Collection by Samym and explanations:
IF YOU GO OUT, I SAY: This loincloth marks the emancipation of the woman, the woman who claims her position as wife. It is also that of one who no longer wants to be the person who expects her husband when the latter is found without justification outside the matrimonial home. This loincloth represents gender equality
FLOWER OF MARRIAGE: This loincloth symbolizes the beauty and the happiness in marriage.
It is worn to demonstrate joy, success and wealth in marriage. It also refers to the bridal bouquet that represents its purity
MY CAPABLE MARRIAGE: is a loincloth that can mark the affection and valorization enjoyed by the woman. The man is proud to offer it to the lady. In return, by wearing it, the wife shows her entourage that she is happy to have a husband both rich and caring. This loincloth with recognized prestige can also accompany the process of family mediation during a conflict in the culprit. If the husband wrongly, he can offer this fabric to be forgiven.
MY CHICKEN FAMILY: This drawing represents the archetype of the African family. Which says a lot about the values of the one who wears it. It is the symbol of the matriarchal family where family responsibility is attributed to the woman. In the center, we see the maternal figure, the hen surrounded by her chicks and future chicks (eggs). The cock is not present enough on this model …. That’s why only his head appears. This clearly indicates that the woman plays a pillar role within the family
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SINZE: means sun.
In some villages, this loincloth represented the setting sun.
So it was a way of remembering that when the sun adopts this form, it is time for peasants and sinners to return to their village.
FISH SHELL: also known as Nail, Akpirikpa Azu, Bijenkorfje, Abarro Basso. This drawing is named differently in different countries. Akpirikpaazu means “fish scale” in Igbo. Igbos from eastern Nigeria; so called, because its pattern evokes the shape of the scales of tilapia, a tropical fish. In Afrikaans, this drawing was named Bijenkorfje for its resemblance to the structure of a hive.
SECRET: This loincloth evokes an intimacy. He reminds the woman who wears a secret, a circumstance and a hidden love affair. Wearing it inspires discretion.
CAPABLE WOMAN: This loincloth highlights the strengths of the dynamic, enterprising and autonomous woman. The woman wearing this loincloth shows others that she is an accomplished woman.
TIP: also known as Macaroni. In Côte d’Ivoire, this drawing is called Conseille. At the time of its launch, Ivorian women used to advise their daughters about dating. In Benin however, this fabric is called Macaroni, because its patterns are reminiscent of the shape of macaroni.
SWALLOWS: Because the bird is a very important symbol in many cultures, this drawing has acquired various meanings, often referring to change, prosperity, freedom and transition.
In Ghana, the motive evokes the impermanence of wealth: rich today, poor tomorrow, because money has wings and can fly. It also symbolizes asking for a service or the hand of a young woman. In Togo, this drawing is called Air Afrique, because the local airline used it for its uniforms. In the Ebo region, this print is known as Eneke. It tells that the hunter who learns never to miss his target knows how to fly without having to land.
I AM FASTER THAN MY RIVALE: The names of many drawings relate to the family and marital relations of women. In Ivory Coast, the classic Jumping Horse, also known as (I run faster than my rival), symbolizes the rivalry between co-wives. In Nigeria, igbos women like to make their Aso-Ebi (uniform dress) in this drawing to display their unity at their annual women’s meeting in August.
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