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wazal
designer
TRENDY
Wazal is the epitome of talent that joins ambition and youth to create. In 2005, the barely 20 years old, Joseph Marie Nga Ayissi, French of Cameroonian origin established his label, and the rest is history. His Collections have been appreciated by connoisseurs of haute couture and its creations worn by stars of the global jet set, such as French crooner Singuila or the American supermodel Wayne Beckford. Beyond high fashion, Wazal is producing a comic book that tells the epics of his life. In an open interview Wazal talks about his projects and his art.
Hello, Wazal, it’s been more than 12 years that you are in the world of haute couture in Paris so if one has to know why you chose this path what will you say?
Hello and thank you for giving me the opportunity to express myself on your platform. I am honored. The fashion business, I integrate it young, through my late father Ayissi Nga Pierre Celestin, who was tailor in the 90s in Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroun, he has distinguished himself in the creation of men's clothing. That's where my desire to make fashion
comes from. Besides I'm someone who loves challenges, runs the extra mile… I had to show it on my very latest collection called Ova Tété, a collection that has given me a nomination at the BEFFTA Awards 2016 as best fashion designer. (Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts)
Learning the craft, what was the biggest difficulty you encountered, and how did you face the challenge of this very elitist milieu?
By cons I was lucky to have the support of my family through finances and advice, I take the opportunity to thank them.
Other than that, I have a team and partners who collaborate with me, namely Mr. Dave, who is of precious help in the ready-to-wear side, and VANESSA RUIZ in the haute couture.
You perfected your art at Vanessa Ruiz in Paris, when you already had a certain background in fashion. What does this fashion school brought you in addition?
I am an autodidact, who since his childhood draws from different horizons to create. However, I wanted to follow a fashion training at the school VANESSA RUIZ in Paris. A training that allowed me to acquire knowledge about model making, molding and the perfection of my methods and techniques of work. Thanks to this training, I could improve my creations and better define my universe.
You seem to be more specialized in men's clothing, why? We have the impression that African designers are more dedicated to women? Was it a way to fill a void?
Flashmag February 2018 www.flashmag.net