![A model poses for a picture in a bazin suit made by designer Barros Coulibaly in Bamako, Mali, October 21, 2015. Gasps of delight filled the convention hall as models, decked out in Mali's signature bazin fabric in crimson reds, indigoes and neon greens, strutted the catwalk while musicians from across the West African nation provided the soundtrack. Bazin, a polished, heavy cotton fabric with a distinctive sheen, is extremely popular across the region and is worn at almost all formal occasions in Mali. "If you show up to a marriage without wearing bazin, you might as well not show up at all," said Baba Sereme, a designer known for his bazin suits for men, with hand-dyed elaborate colour schemes. REUTERS/Joe Penney PICTURE 14 OF 25 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "SHINING ON THE STREETS OF BAMAKO". SEARCH "BAZIN" FOR ALL IMAGES. - RTS7QLP](https://cdn.face2faceafrica.com/www/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/bazin-1.jpg)
Credit: Joe Penney
The Bazin suit is popular among most Malian men as it comes in different shades of crimson reds, indigos, and neon greens. This kind of brocade is worn at just about any formal occasion in Mali.
![A model wears a bazin dress made by designer Fadi Maiga in Bamako, Mali, October 21, 2015. Gasps of delight filled the convention hall as models, decked out in Mali's signature bazin fabric in crimson reds, indigoes and neon greens, strutted the catwalk while musicians from across the West African nation provided the soundtrack. Bazin, a polished, heavy cotton fabric with a distinctive sheen, is extremely popular across the region and is worn at almost all formal occasions in Mali. “If you show up to a marriage without wearing bazin, you might as well not show up at all,” said Baba Sereme, a designer known for his bazin suits for men, with hand-dyed elaborate colour schemes. REUTERS/Joe Penney TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY PICTURE 18 OF 25 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "SHINING ON THE STREETS OF BAMAKO". SEARCH "BAZIN" FOR ALL IMAGES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RTS7QNP](https://cdn.face2faceafrica.com/www/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/bazin-2.jpg)
Credit: Joe Penney
Just as there is a cut for the men, there is also an elegant cut for women of fashion! The bazin dresses by designer Fadi Maiga always make it to events, such as weddings, festivals, funerals, or even casual birthday parties. Coming in various colors, one is left with an unending choice of how to look in the heavy cotton fabric.