“Kaalag means amulet in Wolof so we feel like every piece in the collection is an amulet that will hopefully bring joy to the person that will wear it,” says Anta and Asna, the sisters behind this effervescent fashion label. Launched in 2019, Kaalag is an exploration of the duo’s multi-cultural upbringing and travels through life. They were born in Côte d'Ivoire to Senegalese parents, travelled to study – Anta to France and Asna to Morocco – and Anta is now based in Barcelona while Asna is in Abidjan.

This latest collection, made partly in collaboration with Ivorian artisans, sees their vision fully bloom, as expressed through this uplifting shoot with photographer Olga de la Iglesia. Handprinted and embroidered fabrics and lush textures create gloriously feminine, layered looks that compliment their life-giving statement jewellery. Here the siblings tell us more.

Why did you decide to launch Kaalag?

Côte d'Ivoire is a former French colony, and like any former colony, the culture tends to be imprinted with things that have been brought back from abroad. This is a double-edged sword because we grew up under a culture that is not necessarily our own and we can sometimes get lost in standards that do not really suit us, especially as African women. So Kaalag is part of an exploration of who we are and how we identify ourselves in the society. We use fashion and design to express ourselves. Over time, I think that we have integrated the fact that we made up of several cultures and make our own standard, and that it is what defines us.

How would you describe the aesthetic?

It is a hybrid, like us. We feel that we are constantly changing and Kaalag reflects this.

We can feel minimalist today and extra tomorrow so we don't really have one aesthetic, just changing moods… We are just two women, with our heads in the clouds, on a journey to acceptance, doing what we love.

What mood does this shoot convey?

When you live in Africa, dressing in a colourful way is the norm. So, it's natural that we were attracted by Olga's work with colour, which is fantastic. She helped us create this story around the jewellery. Some pieces are designed to make you feel iconic while other pieces will quickly become like a second skin for anyone who wears them. We want every person wearing a Kaalag piece to feel special and beautiful their own way.

What do you want everyone to know about Côte d'Ivoire?

The contemporary artistic scene in Côte d'Ivoire today is vibrant and full of artists known internationally for their amazing work. There’s Loza Maléombho, Lafalaise Dion, Olooh Concept, Kente Gentlemen, Nuits Balnéaires, Peintre Boou and many more.

Photography Olga de la Iglesia
Styling Tania Morenilla
Hair and make-up Itziar Nzang, Rosana Ehizele Ozgul, Canela sin rama
Models Drica, Michelle
Words Helen Jennings

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Published on 17/02/2021