Alphadi: Biography and Background

Alphadi (born Sidahmed Seidnaly; 1 June 1957) is a notable Nigerien fashion designer often known as the "Magician of the Desert". He is Mauritanian, from an upper caste lineage, on both his parents' sides. Alphadi was born in Timbuktu, Mali, but moved to his parents' native Niger at a young age.

Alphadi studied at Cardon Savard Studios in Paris, started his label in 1984, and his first haute couture line was released in 1985 at the Paris International Tourism Tradeshow. His line has since extended into sportswear and perfume. The Alphadi line, which has 'Complexe Alphadi' boutiques in Niamey (on Rue Vox), Ivory Coast and Paris.

In 1998 Alphadi was one of the three African fashion designers to win the Principal Prince Claus Award; the other two were Tetteh Adzedu from Ghana and Oumou Sy.

In 1998, he created the first FIMA, the International Festival of African Fashion which was located in Niger. This event allowed African designers to come together with other international designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Kenzo, Jean Paul Gaultier and Paco Rabanne. Since then, the event has been going on every 2 years.

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