Cameroon Designer Making Clothes From Banana Leaves

Solange Nana is a designer in the town of Bafoussam in Cameroon, who has been able to make clothes from banana leaves.

Solange who had previously been making dresses out of straw, got the inspiration to make dresses out of banana leaves from her husband.

She said:"One day, my husband remarked how I like traditional clothing, like made out of straw. I liked straw clothes a lot, and I made them too, but he asked me 'Why don't you sew using banana leaf?' He went and got some banana leaves for me and asked me to make him a jacket out of banana. I liked the idea, so I tanned and stitched it and I did it."

The process of making the dresses involves; stripping the dried leaves from the banana plant, tanning and drying. When they get dry, she then sews them together.

She adds that it is a time consuming process and takes about a week or two to complete a dress like "kaba".

kaba made out of banana leaves

 The couturier says it is washable, durable and comfortable.

This is creativity at its best. How spectacular!!!

For more information, go to CCTV by visiting www.cctv.cn