the togo field trip

LOMe, TOGO • Ran in the months of APRIL, JULY, SEPTEMBER, and OCTOBER in 2025 & 2026 — this series of trip has ended. please enquire our togo operator for similar itinerary.

Hosted by Amah Ayivi, founder of Marché Noir, this week-long collaboration trip blends fashion upcycling, design, and immersive exploration of Togo’s nature and culture.

Enquire with Persocal Togo

This trip was featured on the New York Times, BBC, Vogue, and Kinfolk Magazine.

a trip all about fashion and upcycling

Join us for a full-week trip of fashion upcycling, design and exploration of the Togolese nature & culture. Hosted by Amah Ayivi, Founder of Marché Noir, Afro-Parisian brand that transforms African textile waste into high-end vintage.

What we’ll do in the trip

  • Every year, more than $50 million worth of textile waste and leftover garments land in the Togolese port of Lomé, imported mostly from Europe, China, and the United States. It’s one of the consequences of fast-fashion. While most people see them as waste, Amah sees them as opportunity. In this trip, Amah will safely guide us all through the most treasured markets and bustling streets in Lomé to locate the best spots to look for these items.

  • There is no better place than Lomé, home to one of the world’s biggest hub for imported used clothings, where 9 out of 10 residents buy them up 5 times a year. Having done this for more than 10 years, there is no better person than Amah himself to lead us through the scene. Together, we'll dig deep and handpick the most notable and reusable items to upcycle. You'll quickly learn the craft of thrift-shopping and how to choose the best materials. Be picky, as you’ll turn them into your own designs in the next stage.

  • After collecting hundreds of items, we’ll bring them over to the studio and categorize them based on quality and intended final product. Some are more worthy than others, some are impossible to refurbish, and Amah will help us sort out the hidden gems.

  • We’ll start off simply by watching Amah doing his magic. After, he’ll lead a workshop on design, styling, creative direction & branding. Then, it’s your turn! Consult with Amah to help finalize your designs before we take them to the tailors. By the end of the trip, you’ll try them on in a fitting session and you’ll get to bring them all home.

About togo

From Lakes and beaches in the south, to West Africa’s largest waterfalls and forests in the north, we’ve designed an itinerary to cover them all.

But we’ll take you further to the Hyperlocal Togo, to deep-dive into the country’s fashion scene, immerse in one of the world’s largest secondhand market, and give back to the community. Get ready to to witness the melting pot of culture, vibrant eateries and animated nightlife the second you land in Lomé.

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THE ONOMO HOTEL

We've carefully chosen to partner with Onomo for its comfort, safety and location. A favourite of our global community of artists, chefs and entrepreneurs.

luxury

The best rated hotel in the entire country, ran by our friends at Onomo, Africa's leading hospitality brand. You'll get access to the year-round pool, breakfast buffet, gym and rooms decorated by furnitures showcasing regional artists.

proximity

Located right in the middle of Lomé, right in front of the beach. A few steps away from all kinds of seaside activities, and only a few mins drive to the city center, our fashion studios and the the secondhand markets where we'll spend most of our days at.

safety

Known for its safety, the premise is  situated in area in the city. In addition, our group will be accompanied by two bodyguards from the moment we leave the hotel, up until we return. 

It’s an intense week, and a lot of fun & exploration

From the street markets and studios of Lomé, to the natural wonders of Togo. You'll start off with fashion workshops, and come home dancing to Afrobeats.

What we’ll do beside fashion

  • Filming & Photoshoot

  • Boating

  • Visit to Kpalime

  • Free time

  • Streetwear Scene

part of MARCHé NOIR VOYAGE SERIES

A series of 15 trips and experience across France, Togo, Kenya, Ghana, Benin and Ivory Coast. Purposefully designed to explore the local fashion scene and promote sustainable upcycling in the region.

Fresh from the press

  • Vogue

    "What could possibly be more interesting than Parisian style? Parisian style mixed with African style. That alchemical blend—with its push-pull between high and low, refinement and exuberance—defines the appeal of Marché Noir."

  • BBC

    "Unloved cast-offs sent to Togo's markets by charity shops in Europe are given a second life."

  • The New York Times

    “Amah Ayivi has spun secondhand garments into a stylish business." 

  • GQ

    "Paying homage both to the high sartorial standards of Paris and to the creativity of West Africa, bringing the cultures together to elevate each other."

  • Africa is now Magazine

    "The man who turns rubbish into treasure. See it in real life.

  • Dubai’s Thriving Luxury and Adventure Scene

    With a booming tourism sector and an unmatched mix of futuristic urban experiences and desert adventures, Dubai continues to attract millions of visitors each year.

    FORBES

What’s included

  • All activities mentioned in the itinerary is are included. Materials, entry tickets, day trips. Unless otherwise noted.

  • You'll stay at the best rated hotel in the entire country, Onomo Hotel, with breakfast included. The type of room depends on the package you choose: a private room for the single occupancy, and a shared room for the double occupancy.

    The hotel during our overnight trip at Kpalimé is also included with breakfast.

  • Buffet breakfast is included for each morning of the day. 

    All meals mentioned in the itinerary are also included. In total, you’ll get 6 lunches and 4 dinners. Each meal covers one main course, one dessert and one drink.

    For the nightlife, you’ll receive two drinks at the bar and two drinks at the nightclub.

  • Airport dropoff and pick is included if you arrive on the first day/depart on the last day of the trip. All logistics mentioned in the itinerary are also included.

  • We will have two full-time photographer and videographer who will be documenting the entire trip. Anytime you want a picture taken, feel free to request it. BY the end of the trip, we will share all the content with you.

  • All the final products of our fashion workshops, are yours to keep. In total, you’ll get to bring home your own designed vintage clothing, streetwear, and traditional batik. 

    Plus, you’ll receive an artist-designed T-Shirt commemorating this special trip.

  • All activities included in the itinerary are accompanies with two bodyguards from our security partner in Togo to ensure your safety of roaming around the city. are required to have a travel insurance that covers the entire duration of the trip.

  • (Add-on) Please contact our West Africa Concierge Team if you would like to arrange flights in and outside the region. We suggest you to arrive on the first day, and depart on the last day of the trip in order for us to arrange the complimentary airport transfers.

  • We’ve specifically designed enough free time in the trip to give you flexibility to do anything and go anywhere you want. Of course, you can ask any of our team for any help in making any arrangement, tips and suggestions.

Enquire with Persocal Togo