IN BLOOM
Vlisco and Togo YEYE make for a perfect match in Lomé
Photography
TOGO YEYE
Vlisco collaborates with Togo YEYE for its new ‘Blossoming Beauty’ campaign, which sees the heritage brand’s latest collection of bold printed fabrics flourish across the lush landscapes of Lomé. Dramatic floral and geometric designs are set against ephemeral sculptures and sandy horizons to harness the feminine wonders found in nature.
Vlisco has long served West and Central Africa with its colourful textiles and used storytelling to honour the region’s women. For this latest chapter, the brand’s design studio has been inspired by the language of flowers to speak to themes of growth and renewal, and to the strength found in sisterhood – a concept that finds fresh expression through the fantastical lens of Malaika Nabillah and Delali Ayivi.
The two friends, art director and photographer respectively, originally established Togo YEYE in 2019 as a way to nurture Togo’s budding creative community. Since then, their work has been recognised by PhotoVogue Festival, been awarded the pH Museum New Generation Prize and enjoyed a solo show at Palais de Lomé. This project with Vlisco has been a chance to share their passion for Togolese culture with both local and international audiences. “This is the first time we’ve shot a major campaign for a luxury brand in Togo, which will be seen both at home and outside of the continent,” says Ayivi. “Vlisco has a long history here so to have this on billboards around the city is special to us.”
The stunning results of their collaboration with Vlisco also reflects the effortless synergies Togo YEYE felt for the brand’s vision. “We loved the idea of a woman who is blossoming with strength and individuality and the models felt so beautiful wearing all of the flowing prints. We hope the campaign captures the essence of Lomé and how Vlisco’s joyful fabrics treasure authentic craftsmanship.”
