Community Highlights: Meet Alida Vincent of Magichands CI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alida Vincent.

Hi Alida, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey began during the lockdown, with a strong desire to create and express myself through fashion. It became a form of art therapy for me a way to turn what I was experiencing and feeling into something tangible. As a self-taught creator, I learned through observation, experimentation, mistakes and constant practice.
As my practice evolved, I realized that fashion could be much more than clothing. I became interested in its ability to connect culture, history, writing and identity, and to give meaning to what we wear.
In 2021, I founded Magichands CI, which has gradually grown into a cultural creation house. I began exploring ancient African symbols through research, documentation and a deeper understanding of their historical and cultural context, before translating them into contemporary garments through craftsmanship and hand-painting.
Building Magichands CI has been a continuous process of learning, questioning and evolving. Today, I am developing the brand from Côte d’Ivoire with the ambition of creating a body of work that is deeply rooted in African cultures while speaking to people across borders pieces that can leave an impression, carry a memory and remain meaningful long after they are first encountered.
Ultimately, I want to build something that goes beyond fashion: a creative universe with its own language and stories, capable of touching people and, with time, becoming part of a larger cultural conversation.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has not been a straight or predictable one. As an entrepreneur, you are constantly discovering new challenges and learning to adapt as your business evolves. One of the most important challenges for me has been finding skilled and reliable people, both in the workshop and in our retail spaces. In the workshop, I need people who can understand my ideas and translate them accurately into garments, while in our stores, I need a team that can bring the Magichands CI universe to life and create a unique experience for our customers.
There are also the everyday realities of running a business, from taxes, production and finances to finding the right resources and people to help the company grow. Finding a serious communication team that truly understands my vision and knows how to develop my ideas has also been an important challenge.
And, of course, plagiarism remains a difficult reality in the creative industry. When ideas come from research, experimentation and a long creative process, seeing them reproduced without understanding their meaning can be frustrating.
But I see all of this as part of the journey. Every new stage of the business brings new lessons, new responsibilities and new ways of growing. It has taught me to be more patient, adaptable and intentional about the way I build Magichands CI.

We’ve been impressed with Magichands ci, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Magichands CI is an Ivorian cultural creation house that uses fashion as its medium. Founded in 2021, the brand creates contemporary clothing and accessories inspired by documented cultural references, with a particular focus on African heritage.
What sets Magichands CI apart is the way we combine research, symbolism and craftsmanship with a contemporary approach to fashion. Our pieces are designed to carry meaning while remaining expressive, wearable and distinctive.
I am particularly proud of having built a creative universe from Côte d’Ivoire that goes beyond clothing. Today, Magichands CI is evolving with the ambition to explore cultures from different parts of the world and create meaningful connections through fashion.
Our belief is simple: clothing can be a way to discover something, not just something to wear.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One thing that often surprises people who discover my work is my age. People usually assume that I am older than I actually am, perhaps because of the journey and level of responsibility that come with building a brand.
There is also a little detail about my name that many people don’t know: Vincent is my first name, not my last name. It is something people often discover only when they get to know me better.

Pricing:

• Standard pieces: approximately $80–$525 USD)
• Luxury & haute couture pieces: (approximately $875 USD and up)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marketplace.anka.africa/fr/shops/magichandsci
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magichandsci
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gvro2d3Bx/