At the core of DEDA’s ethos lies a profound belief in the power of artisanal craft—an art form that weaves human skill, creativity, and heritage into every stitch. Today, we proudly announce a transformative collaboration with École Élégance, a beacon of couture education in Kélibia. This partnership is not just about acquiring skills; it is a shared mission to revive the artisan spirit, countering the tide of industrialization that risks leaving these crafts behind.
The Story Behind École Élégance
Madame Afifa Bouafif, the visionary founder of École Élégance, embodies this lifelong commitment. After six years of rigorous training—three years in Formation Professionnelle Coupe Couture followed by three years of pedagogical training—she graduated in 1986 from the École des Cadres Étatiques. When the government program was later canceled, she continued her journey independently, opening her own atelier and dedicating over 30 years to both practicing and informally transmitting her knowledge.
In 2000, driven by a clear gap in structured couture education and a deep desire to teach, she founded École Élégance. For over 40 years, her work—between atelier and school—has shaped generations of artisans. Today, the school graduates around 60 young women each year. Yet, this transmission has not been untouched by change. Where classes once included both men and women and counted around 40 students, today they average closer to 25, reflecting a steady decline in enrollment. More broadly, fewer young people are choosing this path, reflecting a growing withdrawal from artisanal professions in the face of industrialization.
One Shared Vision: Transmission of Savoir-faire
As Madame Afifa expressed so clearly, “We share one common concern: the withdrawal of artisanship in the face of industrialization.” This conviction binds École Élégance and DEDA in a shared vision—one where the handmade is not only preserved, but reaffirmed as essential.
This collaboration is a natural extension of DEDA’s commitment to human-centered creation. The school represents a living ecosystem of knowledge and discipline and serves as a trusted reference for identifying and engaging skilled artisans. Through Madame Afifa’s network and expertise, DEDA is able to connect with talents whose training is built on precision, patience, and respect for the craft.
Continuing to Evolve Through Initiatives
One of the most meaningful expressions of this collaboration lies in direct support. DEDA is currently sponsoring the training of a young woman at École Élégance, enabling her to specialize in embroidery. Alongside her studies, she is completing her apprenticeship within DEDA, allowing for a continuous exchange between learning and practice. This model reflects a deeper intention: to invest not only in production, but in people, and in the long-term transmission of savoir-faire.
Looking ahead, this partnership will continue to evolve through initiatives such as community workshops and intergenerational exchanges. These future programs aim to reconnect younger audiences with the value of handcraft, creating spaces where knowledge can circulate and where new vocations can emerge.
In every stitch, every gesture, and every artisan who chooses this path, there is resistance—and there is hope. Through this collaboration, DEDA and École Élégance are not only preserving a craft, but actively participating in shaping its future.