The Lingerie Post

The most beautiful lingerie and swimwear in the world...

Fatou Kebe

New Spring 2010 Offerings from Fatou Fatal

by

Previously, TLP introduced Fatou Kébé’s line of lingerie products. Fatou is back with a new collection with the inspirational tag line of « Because the woman is a jewel and her body is its case. » Fatou is still featuring the djaldjali, a beaded waist necklace worn around the waist by many African women.

IMG_0558 _MG_0103

The new collection is inspired by « Pile ou Face ? » (heads or tails). Fatou designs the front side with girly charm and the backside with smoldering sex appeal.

_MG_0586 _MG_0139

Pricing is a function of the beads used (resin, glass, crystal) and the material (cotton, jersey, lace, tulle). The range is 150 to 325 euros for a bra or a short nightdress and 99 to 271 euros for a string. Unlike most other kits, most of the detail for Fatou is in the strings with beading and other decorative flourishes.

_MG_0597 _MG_0172

Images are courtesy of « Fatou Fatal ». Find the range at French Lingerie Shop.

Fatou Fatal from France via Senegal

by

Fatou Kebe is the young Parisian designer behind the lingerie line «fatou fatal». Kebe immigrated to France at the age of two in 1979. She pursued her degree in philosophy and law. After graduating, she worked as secretarial support to Managing Directors at various companies. By 2005, she grew tired of the discrimination she perceived in some parts of French society and decided to start her own company.

Kebe draws on her familiarity with French Civil Code, accounting, and other rules of business to begin «fatou fatal». She secured a grant from the Seine Saint Denis government and starts her lingerie dreams on only €8500. Through hard work and a bit of luck, Kebe is selected to join other artists and creators in residence at Ateliers de Paris. The workshops are part of the former property owned by Jean Paul Gaultier on Faubourg Saint-Antoine road.

I think it is incredibly hard to find a unique voice or hand in lingerie. The garments have been around for a very long time and although there are frequent improvements in materials and process, many designs are indistinguishable from other designs. Kebe provides a gust of fresh ideas in the lingerie space. Her vision is equal parts jewelry and seduction. Many women of African origin wear a pearl waist necklace known as “djaldjali”. In these cultures, the djaldjali is irresistible. It accentuates the hips and adorns the body with delicate stones and beads.

Kebe, originally from Senegal, is quite familiar with the djaldjali. In her country, it is often called a “bine-bine”. Kebe isn’t simply participating in cultural arbitrage. Her jewelry based lingerie includes real pearls, Swarovski crystals, fluorescent beads, shells, onyx, quartz, and other semi precious stones. The product is even sold in boxes that look much more like necklaces than the ubiquitous gift bags favoured by so many brands.

You can find Fatou for sale in Germany at Matadora Dessous and in France from French Lingerie Shop. The company told me, “We are looking for distributors to retail «fatou fatal» all over United States.” Currently, the 2006, 2007, and 2008 collections are for sale. The company said, “In June our new collection will be available on our website + an everyday wear collection.” Pricing for the collection is not for the timid. Sets range from €350-€995

Here is Kebe in an interview with 20 Minutes in France:

More pictures from the collection:

Pictures courtesy of «fatou fatal»