Art Sylist Senegal
Diouma Dieng Diakhaté is autodidact, having started a career in fashion without any formal training.  Diakhaté started sewing when she was seven years old; using a sewing machine in her garage to make clothing.


Diakhaté's' professional experience includes working for the Ambassy of the DRC, then as a flight attendant for Africa Air, followed by a career as a secretary  for 13 years with ASECNA ((Agence pour la Sécurit é et la Navigation Aérienne ).  While working for ASECNA, she spent time after work and on the weekends sewing cloth.  After some time she was receiving a larger income as a tailor/stylist so she took a year off with the option of returning to work and transitioned from her position with ASECNA to become a fulltime stylist.

In 1982, Diakhaté moved into a three story appartment that she turned into a workshop.  Six months later she relocated again.  Three years later, she bought a confection workshop, she renovated and name Shalimar Couture, which she currently heads.

Diakhaté now designs gala customs for African government officials and celebraties.  Outside of designing she is interested in giving back to the community; in particular children.  She has already established a mortuary, a birthing clinic, a mosque and a number of schools.

Throughout her career, Diakhaté, had many distinguishing awards:

1990 : Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Lion Sénégalais décerné par Monsieur Le Président de la République.

1991 : Oscar des Managers Africains dénommé " Prix Roland THIAM BOUCHERON " décerné par le Groupe du Moniteur Africain.  A distinction that had never been given to a woman before.

1997 : Médaille de la Femme Pionnière du Sénégal décernée par Madame Le Ministre de la Femme, de l'Enfant et de la Famille du Sénégal.

1997 : Officier de l'Ordre National du Lion Sénégalais décerné par son Excellence Le Président de la République du Sénégal.

2008 : Le cauris spécial de l’action sociale pour ses multiples réalisations humanitaires (construction de maternités et d’hôpitaux) à par le MEDS.