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Mpungwe hails from the capital city of Dar-Es-Salaam on the eastern coast of Africa. Despite a very conservative environment, the future fashion star showed an affinity for creativity and thinking outside of the box at an early age. While in high school her passion began to take shape around the art of design. As a teenager Anisa was creating gowns for her school mates and her designs were in high demand amongst her classmates. Upon graduation, she attended Midrand Graduate Institute and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Fashion and Marketing. Anisa's academic career showed that the young protégé was on the fast track to success. After undergrad she went on to the prestigious London College of Fashion, where she studied Creative Pattern Cutting. Without missing a beat, Mpungwe began working in a South African design house right after school. Yet this young designer was not destined to play the background. Rather, launching her own line was a dream fulfilled in 2008 – just one year after receiving her graduate degree. Immediately, Anisa's Loin Cloth & Ashes received serious industry attention and the designer was awarded South African ELLE's New Talent award. Along with a cash prize, the Mpungwe had the opportunity to see her designs sold in Mr. Price stores – a major fashion chain in South Africa.
Soon the designer was showing at fashion week events around the world including Stockholm Fashion Week. Among the first of her high profile presentations was her "Metropolis" collection, which was shown at Sanlam SA Fashion Week for the Summer 2009/2010. The show was characterized by a series of art-infused sleeveless dress. With many a-line silhouettes and sharp, graphic prints the playful frocks avoided falling victim to the "crafty" categories and instead showed a easy sophistication and attention to detail. Mpungwe's showing in South Africa was a critical success and months later she was preparing to show at one of the world's largest fashion stages. In the spring of 2010 the designer was part of a group of designers to show as part of the ARISE collective at New York's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.
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Her Winter 2010 collection, entitled "Ifakara" officially put the young fashion prodigy on the map in the industry.
Critics and fashion followers of all sorts were struck by the refined collection. The pieces showed Mpungwe's skill with draping and tailoring. The collection was right on trend, with clean lines and creamy pastels, yet it had a singular quality about it in its precise folding and chic layering. The collection was accessorized on the runway by bits of bright color by way of the large sculptural earring that are also designed by Anisa Mpungwe.
After the show mainstream media and blogs alike were buzzing about Loin Cloth & Ashes and the exciting young designer at the helm of the burgeoning line.
The "Ifakara" collection was inspired by Japanese art and origami. "I like form and order. I'm the kind of person that won't stand on cracks in the sidewalk," said Mpungwe. Her preference for neatness was apparent in the symmetry and clean lines of the collection. The designer was also careful to use only South African and Tanzanian fabrics.
Recently, the International Fair of Luanda has invited Loin Cloth & Ashes as one of 27 recognized fashion designers from the African continent, Brazil and Portugal to participate in the first edition of the biggest fashion and beauty event on the African continent, taking place from 9-12 December 2010 at FILDA's facilities in Luanda (Angola's biggest expo centre).
Confessions of a High Bohemian by Loin Cloth & Ashes SS11 will be launched for the first time in Angola.
"My biggest wish is to have my name in an International Fashion text book, so that my grandkids and their friends could see that it is okay to follow a dream."
Judging from the designer's record of success, it's safe to say she' well on her way to fulfilling her wish.
Written by Glamchix