Bouswari

Founded by Diarra Bousso Niang in 2016, Bouswari offers a selection of vibrant leather accessories inspired by its creator’s Senegalese heritage. Born and raised in the West African country, the young designer launched her line in Canada with the goal of sharing the beauty, culture and history of her native birthplace with a global audience.

Created by local artisans, Bouswari’s pieces range from cross-body bags to wallets, and celebrate the country’s traditional craftsmanship while exuding a contemporary aesthetic. The name ‘Bouswari’ is an amalgamation of two words: ‘Bousso’ and ‘Bassari’. Bousso adds a personal touch since it’s the designer’s middle name, Bassari referring to the Bassari culture indigenous to West Africa. As a brand truly rooted into the culture it was bred from, its logo draws inspiration from the historic Akan gold weights—a brass measurement system used by the Akan people for weighing gold dust prior to the currency of coins and paper money.

The brand puts an emphasis on employing the use of local industries and sustainable practices: techniques such as vegetable tanning and hand-embroidery are used, while materials are sourced ethically and as byproducts of Senegal’s existing farming industry.