About Burkinabaé

 Imagine seeing bright colors, patterns that spoke their own language and witnessing tailors design dresses on the same levels as YSL, Dior, Coco Chanel, or other European Brands! Walk with me down the streets of small ateliers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and escape with me to where it all began in my childhood...my love for fashion, color, and style.

I am Karen Chatelain, the Creative Director of Burkinabaé, a high fashion brand inspired by the rich culture and heritage of my native land, Burkina Faso. After living in Africa and in the South-Eastern region of the United States, I noticed the stark difference between the two continents and the standards of living. This difference made me develop a yearning to find a way of uplifting my fellow countrymen in Burkina Faso; therefore, I decided there was no better way to empower my people than by using their talents to help them secure a market for their products abroad, and Burkinabaé was born.

Even though I create the designs in Los Angeles, California, each piece is inspired by the Burkinabaé culture and showcases the rich untapped potential that Burkinabaé tailors possess. The ultimate vision is to help these creative tailors build their own brand as designers for Burkinabaé. 

Burkinabaé is currently a fully fledged accessory brand and was a pioneer in creating "lensless eyewear" worn by celebrities such as Beyoncé and Tina Knowles. Our thoughtful collection of chic yet practical fashion wear has allowed us to build a strong customer following that has seen us grow as we have developed new designs and new collections. 

At Burkinabaé, we believe individuals make first impressions before they speak; therefore, we take pride in every one of our creations and allow them to make the impression for you. From our golden fit-for-a-queen head wraps, to our collection of extravagant eyewear, fringe necklaces, and statement earrings, each piece meets the needs of the most devoted fashionistas!

We will always create innovative designs that generate fashion curiosity and make bold statements for the bold person. Our goal is to link philanthropy and fashion by supporting backward linkages with our supply chain in Burkina Faso, and your purchase helps us make this dream a reality.

Say it with style. Say Burkinabaé.