Understated Sensuality with Gueras Fatim
We became familiar with the work of designer Fatoumata Guirassy through Instagram around the same time we were gearing up to launch Antou Studio. We loved the brand’s designs and aesthetics and couldn’t wait for the opportunity to feature it on our platform. We’re excited to be sharing her work with you finally - so enjoy!
—
GUERAS FATIM is the contraction of the designer paternal name (Guirassy) and the etymology of her first name Fatoumata, from Arabic origins (Fatima) which means : "the Young female camel which has just been weaned". GUERAS FATIM was founded in 2015 by Fatoumata Guirassy.
In our interview with Fatoumata, she explained to us that her approach is deep and spiritual. Behind every collection she tells the story of a strong, spiritual woman, accompanied by her ancestors. Every details is linked to femininity. She is inspired by multicultural custom, vintage and streetwear. The lines are simple but grounded in unique techniques and finishings.
The GUERAS FATIM woman is a multifaceted person. She embraces her masculinity side with sensuality, her body is subtly revealed. She holds mental, physical and spiritual strength.
As a brand, GUERAS FATIM is an attitude between sophistication and casual, with sensual, effortless and raw as its primary attributes.
Scroll down for our intimate q&a with Fatoumata Guirassy, the enigmatic brain behind the brand.
Laurinda is wearing the rose tennis top with jogger pants with slits.
Olivia is wearing the lilac one-sleeve knitted top.
AS: Tell us about your origins and your background
FG: I come from a West African family, my father is from Senegal (casamance ) and my mum from Guinea Bissau but both are from the same ethnicity which is Diakhankés from the Mandingue Empire (Mali).
AS: What is special about where you come from/your culture?
FG: I would say the different cultures brewing between ancestral custom, spirituality and present religions allied to western influences.
AS: Why did you choose this career path?
FG: I knew at a very young age that I would do something artistic. I suppose that today with GUERAS FATIM, I was able to find the best way to marry everything I love, whether it is art in its entirety, fashion, art direction and set design.
AS: Where do you draw inspiration from for your collections?
FG: I draw my inspiration from wild womanhood and especially ancestral custom through women in the entire world . It started with a research of myself and my heritage and then I naturally made the link with all the other cultures that attract me because in the end we are only one and this is what I am passionate about: finding similarities between people around the world who I have never met.
AS: What's your design process like?
FG: In my mind, I have a drawer of different stories to tell but I choose them according to how the current times make me feel. Then begins the part that I prefer the most: research and documentation; because I love to learn. It is a long process therefore I like to do my fabrics sourcing at the same time, and it’s after this that I start to draw my looks. Then I switch to the technical part by moulding or patterning. Once I have validated my test, it’s time to make the prototype.
AS: Will you share with us what is the 3-5 year vision for your business?
FG: My faithful vision for GUERAS is to become independent and have multiple outlets in a selection of concept stores around the world; to expand the collections by adding accessories such as shoes, leather goods, jewelry; and to create meaningful collaborations along the way.
Shop GUERAS FATIM here and find the brand on Instagram here.