With “Ambaniala,” Émilie Andriamahefa transforms family memories linked to the Fifohazana movement into a collection where fashion, memory, and spiritual heritage converge.
Fashion has entered the photographic universe of Pierrot Men. As part of the fourth season of Hakanto Contemporary, dedicated to the exhibition “Pierrot Men Fofon’Aina,” the second edition of Hakanto Night was held this Wednesday, featuring the Ambaniala fashion show—a carte blanche project entrusted to artist and fashion designer Émilie Andriamahefa.
For the first time, Hakanto Contemporary has brought clothing design into dialogue with one of its artistic seasons. The collection draws from the designer’s family history, as her grandmother was a member of the Fifohazana. The name “Ambaniala” refers to her maternal family’s neighborhood of origin as well as the “toby masina,” a place of spiritual retreat where she spent part of her summers.
This approach resonates with the work of Pierrot Men, who has been documenting the Fifohazana community in Soatanana since the late 1980s. Processions, gatherings, daily gestures, and white garments appear in his photographs. In turn, Émilie Andriamahefa transforms these memories into silhouettes, materials, and textures that evoke the white clothing, chants, and processions of her childhood.
Ambaniala extends the artistic reflection initiated by the designer with “Des Voiles,” presented in 2024 during the second season of Hakanto Contemporary, “Sentimental.” The encounter between her universe and that of Pierrot Men will continue at Hakanto House starting Saturday, September 12, 2026, with a temporary presentation of silhouettes from the collection and accessories designed by the artist.
Born in 1993 in Paris and a graduate of ESMOD Paris and ESIV Paris, Émilie Andriamahefa develops a practice in Madagascar at the crossroads of fashion, photography, drawing, and imagery. In 2018, she founded Ester414, a fashion house whose creations explore themes of memory, transmission, and family heritage.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-12 06:09:10 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/memoire-et-creation-emilie-andriamahefa.html