Back in June 2007, during my trip to Kenya, I found myself in the market place buying loads of fabric because the colors were so rich and beautiful and the prices were great. I really didn't know what I was going to do with that much fabric, but I didn't care, I wanted it and so I got it. When I got back to Santa Monica, I was inspired to make a dress to wear to a friends' wedding using one of my many fabrics that I had purchased. The dress was gorgeous and I made a few for my friends too. I have since been experimenting with other designs and introducing them here to what have so far been rave reviews. Women have gone crazy over them and frequently stop me on the street to ask where I got them.
I use fabric found from all over Africa. I mostly use "The Khanga", a cloth also known as Lesu which is a simple piece of often brightly colored rectangular cloth which is wrapped round the body. It is a common sight in villages and towns across East Africa. Khangas use a variety of African sayings, idioms, proverbs, slogans, expressions, idioms and riddles in Swahili and English. These sayings must be understood in their cultural and social contexts. It is important to understand that many of the sayings are intended to be a commentary on the lives of East African women and their complex relationships. Many of the sayings are messages that women communicate to each other. Usually the saying is printed on the bottom middle of the cloth.
No matter where in Africa the material comes from, my goal is to change the way people think about African fashion. Majority of young Africans choose to dress in a more western dress walking away from their traditional dress, but I understand why and that's why I want to change that by offering designs that still represent our African tradition but with a modern twist. These designs are fun, funky, and fabulous. They are to be enjoyed by women from all walks of life, especially those not afraid of color.
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