Meet the team behind the magic: Designer Taibo Bacar

Hey now. TGIF!

Behind every successful woman, is an army of trailblazers behind her, and I would like you to ‘meet the team behind my magic’, starting this Friday!

First up is Mozambican designer Taibo Bacar.

Who is Taibo Bacar? An incredible fashion designer! That’s who is he. As the son of a seamstress, Bacar was always surrounded by fabrics, the constant sounds of old school sewing machines and he occasionally designed for most of his mother’s clients.

His leap of faith… After studying Information Technology, he decided to relocate to Spain and pursued his childhood interest (he loved playing with fabrics) by enrolling for a course in design and pattern cutting at the Instituto Marangoni. The school, which is an Italian private institute, has campuses in Milan, London, Paris and Shanghai.

The birth of the brand TAIBO BACAR… Since its inception in 2008, the young designer has graced numerous magazine editorials, international fashion weeks and creates tailor-made dress for yours truly. He currently has two lines; TB (ready-to-wear) and TAIBO BACAR Couture, which focuses on high fashion.

I first met Taibo at the 2012 AFI’s Fashion week, where he walked away with the Emerging Designer of the year in Africa. This amazing dress was part of his Spring/Summer collection in 2015. How GORG?!?

How he defines success… 

“Success for me is when your work is done with top quality materials, craftsmanship and is appreciated by your consumers. I think I am on the right track, but I still believe I can do better in terms of reaching the next level of perfection. That’s my everyday challenge; to offer my clients the best!”

I loved this off the runway look. It’s from the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa. So playful, yet so regal! I wore this number at the South African Style Awards.

His career trajectory…. He started doing mainly bespoke dressed for clients in Mozambique. Since showcasing his first collection in South Africa, he ventured out to other African countries such as Angola, Ivory Coast, Botswana, Nigeria to name just a few. He says, “I’ve also had a chance to showcase my work in Milan, Paris, Lisbon and Dubai. These shows gave my brand a chance to make bespoke dressed for clients outside of Mozambique. In 2014, we expanded our brand to feature accessories as well.

His tips for aspiring fashion designers… “Believe in your dream, and never stop working hard to achieve it.”

My custom-made dress. Earring and belt also from Taibo Bacar. I wore this dress at the Oliver Empowerment Awards. *TWIRL* Click here to read more about the awards and the behind the scenes.

Here’s to more Bonang x Taibo Bacar slayage in 2016 and BEYOND!