Paris – France's 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, commencing 26 July, embrace more than athletic prowess. The event is also a stage for designers, artists, and artisans to showcase their talents. Paris welcomed the Olympic flame on 14 July, with Hawa Sangaré, a socially conscious fashion designer and entrepreneur, among the honored torchbearers.
Hawa Sangaré was born in Drancy, in Seine-Saint-Denis, est of Paris, of Malian parents.
She studied psychology before embarking on a career in fashion, and for over 20 years worked with unemployed people.
In 2020, Sangaré launched an organisation called Hawa au féminin, a back-to-work workshop for women.
Emancipation, access to autonomy, diversity and inclusion, Hawa Sangaré conveys these values through the cut of her clothes.
Hawa Paris' collections are produced in small batches thanks to donations of end-of-stock items from partners in major luxury and high-end fashion houses.
The brand is responsible and promotes fashion that fights against clothing waste.
Olympic torchbearer
Sangaré also played a key role before the Paris Games.
Her workshop produced t-shirts, key rings and tablecloths for the giant picnic which took place on 15 July in the Parc des Buttes Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement of Paris.
The designer also carried the flame on the final leg of the national torch relay from Seine-Saint-Denis to the opening ceremony on the Seine.
She was accompanied by 48 children, 24 from Seine-Saint-Denis and 24 from Paris, for whom she made t-shirts.
This report is part of the 100% Création podcast produced by RFI's Maria Afonso.
