Mossi Traoré is a dreamer. But unlike many dreamers, he doesn’t just imagine the future, he actively creates it. As an independent designer pushing the boundaries of fashion, Traoré has managed to turn his dreams into reality. Through sheer talent, persistence, and a touch of charm, he has met his Bollywood idol, traveled the world without a corporate expense account, and fused his vision of inclusive, ethical couture with the craftsmanship of diverse cultures.
Thirteen years ago, as he was building his brand, Traoré founded Les Ateliers d’Alix—a name honoring his fashion icon, Madame Grès—to teach couture techniques to underprivileged youths in the outskirts of Paris. This social initiative has since graduated dozens of talented individuals who now work in prestigious fashion houses like Chanel and Dior.
This month, Traoré reached a pair of significant milestones. He was awarded the prestigious Grand Prix de la Création de la Ville de Paris, recognizing his immense impact on the fashion world. And in a significant development, Chanel officially partnered with Les Ateliers d’Alix, taking over administrative responsibilities to allow Traoré to focus on his creative vision. “What I really wanted is to find a little more time to create, and especially to shine a light on couture that can be worn every day,” Traoré explained backstage before his Spring collection show.
For Spring, Traoré revisited the classics with his signature elegance, crafting graceful, flowing designs in jersey, structured Japanese denim, and cool wool, all accented by color blocking in black, white, and royal blue. Several pieces, including white blouses, a pleated black maxi dress, a sleeveless white ensemble, and a black jumpsuit veiled in sheer white, exuded both modernity and timelessness.
Intricate fabric treatments paid homage to the work of the octogenarian French textile sculptor Simone Pheulpin, adding a striking dimension to a white dress that served as the show’s finale. The mauve handbags were also a captivating detail. Plaid, a prominent trend in Paris this season, made its debut in Traoré’s collection, adding a touch of whimsy to breezy pink and blue checkered numbers.
Mossi Traoré’s talent has already been recognized at prominent shopping destinations like the Printemps flagship in Paris. With a renewed focus on his vision and a newly launched e-shop, his brand is poised to reach even greater heights, expanding its reach and sharing his unique blend of artistry and social responsibility with the world.
