Traoré Studio
Awa Traoré
Awa Traoré sculpts kitenge peplums in Abidjan with a horsehair edge so they stand on their own.
The hand
“Colour is a celebration you were invited to. Structure is how you arrive on time.”
Signature work
Plateau Peplum Dress
Turquoise and coral kitenge with horsehair-edged peplum, boned bodice
Wedding guest · 2025
Cocody Mother's Set
Sculpted kitenge jacket and skirt for the mother of the bride
Wedding · 2024
Lagoon Skirt
Full kitenge skirt with a structured waistband
Garden party · 2024
Construction detail
This is what the price buys: peplum construction, horsehair edging, structured skirts — finished by hand and checked at close range before anything leaves the workroom.
The atelier
Traoré Studio, Abidjan. Every commission begins with choosing a print that will hold a sculpted edge.
In the House Collection
Craft
Techniques
- Peplum construction
- Horsehair edging
- Structured skirts
Specialisms
- African fashion
- Occasion wear
- Draping
Materials
- Kitenge
- Cotton
- Chiffon
Working with Awa
- Region
- Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and clients anywhere through Everrissa
- Fittings
- in person or remotely
- A commission begins with
- choosing a print that will hold a sculpted edge
- Capacity
- 4 commissions a month, no more
- Availability
- available
Terms
Awa's commissions typically fall between $400 and $2,500 (quoted and paid in sterling, £300 – £1,900), with a lead time of around 7 weeks. A deposit secures the slot and fabric; the balance is released in stages you approve as the garment takes shape. Every piece is quoted on its own brief — there is no tariff.
Verified, and what that means
Everrissa checked Awa's identity, workroom and past work before this atelier was listed, and every commission is run through Everrissa's milestone payments.
Reviews are earned, not imported.
Only a client whose commission with Awa has been completed through Everrissa can leave one here. The first will appear when the first piece is delivered.