Milan (AFP)

Here are the rugged journeys of the five designers born in Africa but living in Italy who opened Milan Women's Fashion Week on Wednesday.

All claim the "made in Italy" label.

- Fabiola Manirakiza, 50, was born in Burundi, but it was in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) that she learned to sew, in a school run by Italian sisters.

Trained as a doctor, she was able to draw on this experience when she founded her brand Frida Kiza in Italy in 2016, a tribute to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

She describes her art as "a mix between Africa and Italy", like her silk scarves with Maasai motif prints which are inspired by Botticelli's painting "Spring".

- Claudia Gisèle Ntsama, 29, born in Cameroon, had decided from her early childhood to become a stylist and preferably in Italy, because "who says fashion, says Italy".

Very determined, she learned Italian for eight years before arriving in her adopted country in 2012.

She goes on odd jobs, as a cleaning lady or controller at the entrance to football stadiums, then obtains a design diploma in Bologna (north), before "falling in love" with hemp, "one of the most ecological fibers. "and found his own brand.

- Mokodu Fall, 45, originally from Senegal, caricaturist, actor then artist-painter, came to Italy at the age of 22 "to live an experience of the art of culture".

"My collection reflects above all my African origins", says this son of a diplomat who divides his life between Rome and Dunkirk in the north of France.

"These are works of art that I transpose on clothes".

- Joy Meribe, 43, born in Nigeria, left her country because "fashion designers are not considered prestigious".

"I'm not an ethnic designer, I live in Italy, I studied in Italy and I produce in Italy," said Joy, who obtained a master's degree in international business before entering fashion.

His inspiration?

"Strong and intelligent African women, like my grandmothers".

- Karim Daoudi, born in Morocco 27 ​​years ago, arrived at the age of 13 with his family in San Mauro Pascoli in northern Italy, "in search of a better future".

“When I was 17, I started working in a shoe-making workshop for big brands,” before winning a shoe design competition in Rome.

His collection, called "Voyage dans la forêt", brings together shoes in bright colors that remind him of Morocco.

To finance his passion, he earns a living as a postman.

© 2021 AFP