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BY Charles Ayitey, 4:40am May 13, 2016,

Bazin Fabric Showcases Mali Fashion

by Charles Ayitey, 4:40am May 13, 2016,

Model Mamadou Racine 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 9 OF 25 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "SHINING ON THE STREETS OF BAMAKO". SEARCH "BAZIN" FOR ALL IMAGES. - RTS7QLK

Credit: Joe Penney

This kind of bazin outfit is woven in the form of a snake’s skin. It brings out the daring appeal of men who choose it, because the snake is revered by many African cultures as having a mystical connection to life force and primal energy.

People on a motorcycle ride past model Atou Cisse wearing a bazin outfit made by designer Mariah Bocoum Keita 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 21 OF 25 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "SHINING ON THE STREETS OF BAMAKO". SEARCH "BAZIN" FOR ALL IMAGES. - RTS7QNS

Credit: Joe Penney

“If you show up to a marriage without wearing bazin, you might as well not show up at all,” said Baba Sereme, a Malian designer revealed.

Indeed, the bazin gown extends through all occasions as the above model exudes the elegance one needs when showing up to a marriage or naming ceremony in a white bazin gown!

Last Edited by:Deidre Gantt Updated: May 13, 2016

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