Célia Cesari's crochet handbags and clutches carry something more than just style. Based in Paris, the 21-year-old Franco-Gabonese designer has created a line that seeks to capture the continent in a purse.
N'Djamena, Libreville or Bangui. Each piece is named after an African capital as a tribute to her mother's ancestral land.
Célia's tools are simple: thread, a crochet hook, and an instinct for artisanal elegance. Each bag can take up to four hours to make. The results are invariably striking.
Crochet as cause
Célia had always been drawn to the arts. She tried her hand at painting and drawing. Hairdressing fascinated her too. But it was crochet that stuck.
"I wanted to create my own textile items such as bags and hats, and crochet seemed like the ideal means of expression," she tells TRT Afrika. "It allowed me to bring my ideas to life without needing advanced sewing skills."
As a successful stylist and designer carving a niche in what is arguably the world's fashion capital, Célia is glad she followed her heart.
Like most successful artists, Célia prides herself on being a perfectionist. She believes the quality of her work is a reflection of who she is even as her products draw inspiration from different aspects of society and culture.
"What fascinates me about fashion is the way our clothes and accessories become an extension of our personality," she says.
"They can be a means of affirmation and expression. I think we need to go beyond simple clothing that serves to cover our bodies. Fashion can convey powerful messages, whether cultural, political, ecological or emotional."
Homage to roots
The philosophy of "Wear Art, Live Bold" is intrinsic to the young designer's CESARI Collection, which she chose to brand with her surname with the encouragement of those around her.
"This project took shape gradually, encouraged by those around me," recounts Célia. "I wanted to create something authentic that would represent me while conveying a clear message, which is why I chose my surname."
CESARI, which Célia positions as "a unique brand", comprises what she calls "one-of-a-kind pieces, produced in limited editions, with particular attention to detail and the symbolism of colours".
The collection focuses on Central Africa, although the larger objective is to make products that appeal to customers worldwide. Most of the models are named after countries with large lakes, connecting each piece to specific places and their stories.
Poet as an ideal
African-American poet Maya Angelou's words resonate with Célia as she answers her professional calling with the zeal of an idealist.
"A person is the product of their dreams. So, make sure to dream big dreams. And then try to live your dream," Angelou said.
Célia believes the quote captures exactly what led her to create her signature collection. She intends to use her future collections to highlight other regions of the continent whose cultural riches glisten like the emerald waters of Tanzania's Lake Tanganyika.
To ensure her work truly honours the continent, Célia is cautious about attention to detail. This is why she would rather take things slow than set a deadline for herself to craft a bag or any other fashion accessory.
"I even manage content for social media," she says of her involvement in the nitty-gritty of her business.
But Célia is quick to give credit where its due. "CESARI's visual identity was designed by Solène and Yessi, two artistic directors with whom I collaborate," she tells TRT Afrika.
The crochet artist's creations are currently available on her website and some other digital platforms.
