Launched in Spring 2016, Tongoro is a ready-to-wear womenswear label founded by Sarah Diouf, designed and produced in Dakar, Senegal. The name translates to ‘Star’ in Sango, a language from the Central African Republic where Diouf’s mother was born. Diouf has a master’s degree in Marketing and Communication from INSEEC U, Paris. Prior to establishing Tongoro, she founded Ghubar, a digital publication promoting African and Arab fashion and arts, and Noir, a lifestyle magazine. She often remarks she’s not a fashion designer, but has ‘a sense of style, and a passion for business.’

Diouf works with tailors in Dakar to create the collections for Tongoro, noting that tailoring is a fundamental part of life in Senegal. In the brand’s 5-year anniversary film, ‘Made in Africa’, she remarks that Tongoro was born out of a desire to connect Senegalese tailoring, contemporary African style and global fashion together in an authentic way. She is a passionate advocate of the potential of ecommerce to make African fashions accessible globally, and Tongoro exists entirely as an online brand.

Tongoro is known for its playful aesthetic, which often includes bold prints and shapes in a neutral or monochrome palette. Their jumpsuits are a particular staple of the brand. The Jama Jumpsuit here is typical of Tongoro’s aesthetic. It was designed for the brand’s fifth collection, launched in 2021. It is made from plain weave polyester, printed in a black and white zebra striped pattern. It has a corseted top with bell sleeves and pockets which tie on at the waist.