Girl wonder
Posted at 09:39 PM on 10 Jul 2010 under
So i have been doing the disappearing stint. But all will change with a bit of effort and discipline i guess. And i’m so bad at the latter.
So since last I blogged plenty has happened in work, play and other. I have been travelling a great deal and really trying to find the sweet taste in my mouth that i lost.
I think i might be finding out. There is a new flavour that’s out and I’m acquiring its taste… we’ll just have to see how far the rabbit hole goes. Hopefully all the way to Annie’s wonderland.
I have been missing that place.
Interesting interview that i did today,from Project Hope for Africa Magazine. i must say i really enjoyed answering them.
Here goes:
1) How big is your company, who is involved, and who started it?
My name is Anisa Mpungwe. I am the creator of the womens wear label Loin Cloth & Ashes cc, based in South Africa. My company is fairly new. I registered the label in 2008 with minimum to no capital and without a business plan. I was lucky with the timing, because as my registration finalized, I won the Elle new talent competition which I had entered the same month I began registration proceedings. With the winnings, six years of experience and heavy networking, I managed to get into a Sanlam Business Program that aided first time business owners. This program ran for a year and focused mainly on a good business plan and a working marketing plan, finances, employee and stock management and once off agreements.
2) Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania to a Mr Ami and Anitta Mpungwe. I lived in my home country till the age of ten (1994), then moved to South Africa where I still live and work today.
3) What events throughout your life led you to becoming a fashion designer?
I actually never grew longing to become a fashion designer nor did I have dreams of owning a business. I always thought I was to follow my father’s footsteps in becoming an ambassador or a diplomat of some sort. Having said this, my heart was always tied in the arts. I have been trained as a fine artist from a very tender age. It was my last year of high school that a friend had suggested that I go into fashion as I used to draw plenty of dresses wherever someone needed a visual. After walking into my first Fashion class, in college, I was hooked, line and sinker. The idea of dream of something, drawing it and planning it out and then making it appear in 3D was astonishing to me.
4) Tell me about your line (when and why did you start it)
I started my line purely out of frustration. I had just finished my honors in England in Creative Pattern cutting. I came back to South Africa, hoping for a good job, now that I was an educated fashion designer and all I got was “you’re too over qualified we cannot hire you”. I bit the bullet and worked for a well known label as a young designer but still, this did not stratify me all. That job lasted about 2 months. I remember carrying a secret sketch pad at work, and whenever I had free time I would sketch my heart away, then when I got home I’d scan the images in and redefine them on illustrator when I had another free moment at work.
5) What types of clothing do you sell (styles, prints, etc)
I sell clothing that is wearable to the everyday woman. Of-course there are no limitations, as fashion is ever forward and exciting. So yes I do use prints and solids, rich hues and monotones. My silhouette is ever changing, though I see that the older I get the less fussy I get over small detailing.
6) Who/what has inspired your fashion? Has African history or culture influence you?
Interesting question. I have always aspired to be the great Balenciaga or Givenchy or Hussein Chalayan. My main goal was to think like them, be clever like them and even sketch like them. Being African or representing it wasn’t’t part of the equation, well when I was trying to prove myself to myself that is. I wanted to be different, be one step ahead, not fall under the “oh she’s just another African designer, lets tolerate her and her badly finished clothes” umbrella. Now that I have matured and have a different understanding, it’s different. Now I understand that with the knowledge that I have acquired over the years and all the things that have influenced me, home is where my heart is. I am slowly recognize the essence of being Tanzanian. Many Tanzanians, my age who have grown up outside Tanzania but still keep close contact either by vacationing there or brief visits will say that they are in limbo. I didn’t know whether I wanted to be a South African or Tanzanian for the longest time.
7) Do you have a message that you want to send through your clothing designs?
The only message I hope people read is the what my father always said to me and still does today - “Anisa, in life there are no short cuts, you work hard, you live your life and you provide for your family”. That is the one “message” I would tell any African youth. It doesn’t matter whether you want to do a budget clothing store or a high end boutique. It is keeping to your morals and values, stepping away from corruption, standing up for what you believe in and proving your right to owe it. Wanting to become a fashion designer in Africa is laughable to most. So before we get carried away, lets first send a message out there that if one Tanzanian, 25 year old can showcase her work at Bryant Park, well then…
8) Who is your normal clientele?
My clientele ranges from mid 20’s to high 40’s. Most of my clients seek something familiar but intriguing different. So it’s either the confident socialite or the older woman who need a bit of spice mixed in the everyday basics.
9) Do you have advice to give to youth aspiring to be designers?
Yes. It’s not easy, work harder than you did yesterday. This industry is intense. When you’re frustrated don’t panic, it’s only natural I get breathless at time too (just close yourself off from everyone and listen to some Julie London, cry for 5 minutes, time yourself, and get on with it). Do not think you know it all because you’re done being a “student”. Surround yourselves with well informed individuals who have been through it all.
10) How has HIV/AIDS affected you? Have you been involved in the fight against the disease? (if applicable) If so, please explain.
HIV?AIDS has affected just as it was affected the average individual. I know it’s there and I I have to be careful at all times. I lost my aunt to AIDS, though I was quiet young to understand the magnitude of it. I have never been involved in the fight against aids, though I do donate my blood from time to time and I should pay more attention to it.
11) What are some of your biggest accomplishments?
Winning Elle New Talent
And because of winning new talent earning the respect for what I do from my dad
Showing at Bryant Park earlier this year representing Tanzania
Being able to pay someone’s a salary
12) Do you have any long term goals for yourself in regards to fashion?
Yes ofcourse create an empire – Loin Cloth & Ashes , it’s a lifestyle. Open stores worldwide. Venture into LCA House and Leisure, menswear, kids wear, accessories and jewelry (which I am working on) etc. And after I pass on, be in my great great grand kids Africa Fashion History text book.
13) Any celebrity clientele?
South African, Yes.
14) Where and how can customers buy your products?
Order through my website – http://www.loinclothandashes.com – Online shopping coming soon!
