The ladieswear brand Chichia London was established in 2007 by London based designer Christine Mhando. Each of our collections consist of an eclectic range of dresses and separates in modern, wearable shapes and styles made unique by clever use of eye-catching prints, embellishment, intricate detailing, a mix of natural fabrics and a succulent colour palette. The use of colour plays a major part in each line! Our trick is balancing between keeping things fresh and new without being too trend driven, therefore making each piece timeless. We aim for the wearer to feel special and unique yet comfortable everytime she is wearing a Chichia London garment. Christine’s fashion career began at the London College of Fashion where she studied BTEC and higher national diplomas in Fashion design and then went on to complete her BA in Fashion Design at Kent University. After her studies she gained some valuable experience working for various Ladieswear manufactures and suppliers of well known high street brands and designers and with this experience finally decided to venture out and start Chichia London. Born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and raised in London, England, she has taken influences from both continents and cultures and translated them into her own unique quirky style of clothing. Chichia’s signature is the “KHANGA” which is a traditional east African cotton printed fabric used by women as wraps, and this usually appears in every collection in the form of tops, tunics, dresses or skirts mixed with various different types of fabrics and prints.

FashionAfrica.com is pleased to bring to you another promising designer, out of our very talented continent as she gives YOU an exclusive sneak into her latest collection.

 

Fashion Africa: Well-done Christine, your designs are a few of the lot who are able to use our African fabric, whilst still maintaining western culture. It shows prominently in your spring/summer collection. What was behind the fusion between traditional African and contemporary designs?

Christine Mhando: Thank you. This fusion is a natural outcome of my upbringing. I was Born in Tanzania and raised in the UK and I’d like to think that I am equally influenced by both sides. The spring summer 2010 collection entitled “Made in Dar” pays homage to my birthplace (Dar-Es- Salaam). All the fabric/ prints used in the entire collection are from there.

FA: Will you ever incorporate your designs to accommodate winter?

CM: I have previously done smaller winter ranges, still colourful but using more of a darker palette. I have no immediate plans to venture into outerwear or anything along those lines.

FA: Your work tells a lot about your African roots. Do you intend to continue like that?

CM: I am very proud of my roots so yes I’m sure that at least some parts of future Chichia collections will always reflect this.

FA: What was the motive for becoming a designer?

CM: Cliché as it may sound, ever since I can remember I’ve never wanted to be anything else.

FA: Having worked for many fashion enterprises. How fulfilling has it been having your own Fashion Label?

CM: I have learned a lot working in different areas of the industry but there’s nothing like having complete creative control.

FA: How far do you plan to expand the label?

CM: As far as it can stretch. I would love to eventually have a chain of stores and for Chichia to become a globally recognized brand.

FA: Your work is done with a great sense of originality…where does the passion come from?

CM: Thank you for the complement. I wish I could pinpoint from where my passion originates, I just like to make people smile with my creations. So cheesy I know, but also so true.

FA: Is your style of dressing reflected in the designs you make? Where do you draw inspiration?

CM: Yes. My own dressing style absolutely reflects what I design! In fact I have a rule that I wouldn’t try to sell an item of clothing if I wouldn’t wear it myself. I am my number one customer haha. I draw inspiration from everything and anything that’s around me. Living in London helps a great deal as its one of, if not THE trendiest city on earth.

FA: Knowing that you represent Africa in this field career how has the response from Africa especially your own country kept you in the business?

CM: I have had an amazingly positive response from Africa and especially Tanzania. It feels great to know that I am introducing the khanga (traditional Tanzanian/ East African cloth which I feature in all of my collections) to places and people that have never been exposed to it. I recently showed at Swahili Fashion Week in Dar es Salaam and was well received, all I could ask for.

FA: …and what should we expect from now?

CM: Expect Chichia to be around for a while…

FA: Haha, that’s delightful. Please visit the designers database to view our newbie.

- Ernest Nwangwu for FashionAfrica.com