Sow Couture
Ousmane Sow
Ousmane Sow has embroidered boubous in Saint-Louis for twenty-four years, and still draws each neckline freehand.
The hand
“I do not use a template. The embroidery is drawn on the man who will wear it.”
Signature work
Saint-Louis Grand Boubou
Ivory bazin with a hand-drawn gold neckline embroidery running to the hem
Wedding · 2025
Slate Three-Piece
Slate bazin boubou, tunic and trousers with tonal embroidery
Tabaski · 2024
Indigo River Set
Deep indigo bazin with silver thread embroidery at chest and cuffs
Baptism · 2023
Construction detail
This is what the price buys: guided-machine embroidery, grand boubou construction, hand finishing — finished by hand and checked at close range before anything leaves the workroom.
The atelier
Sow Couture, Saint-Louis. Every commission begins with a freehand neckline drawing on your fitting.
Craft
Techniques
- Guided-machine embroidery
- Grand boubou construction
- Hand finishing
Specialisms
- African fashion
- Traditional clothing
- Embroidery & beading
Materials
- Bazin riche
- Brocade
- Cotton
Working with Ousmane
- Region
- Saint-Louis, Senegal, and clients anywhere through Everrissa
- Fittings
- in person or remotely
- A commission begins with
- a freehand neckline drawing on your fitting
- Capacity
- 2 commissions a month, no more
- Availability
- available
Terms
Ousmane's commissions typically fall between $550 and $3,400 (quoted and paid in sterling, £400 – £2,600), 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 Ousmane'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 Ousmane has been completed through Everrissa can leave one here. The first will appear when the first piece is delivered.