UP Fashion: Designer Profile-Ankara by Chimzy

Ankara’s history has spanned over centuries. The development of the fabric has been referred to as the “result of a long historical process of imitation and mimicry.” Victoria Chimwemwe, CEO of ‘Ankara by Chimzi’, has gracefully jumped into this Ankara revolution, bringing a whole new touch to the designs she earns a living from. “As the name suggests, it focuses on African wear but also makes non-African attires in order to accommodate different tastes.”

 

What sets Ankara apart from its contemporaries, is its modern and different twist on fashion. It features a beautifully curated blend blend of different materials, textures and colour. Pieces may include an exciting combination of leather, chiffon, lace, silk, and cotton amongst others.

Fashion design school can be a hub for such creative ideas as these, however,Chimwemwe’s talent is one that flows from her very own veins. “My grandmother was a very good, famous seamstress in Mombasa, so I was bound to continue her legacy.”

Ankara By Chimzi has managed to stay at the forefront of fashion events. These include the Nairobi Fashion Week, held in 28th-30th November 2014, Akili Dada’s Rock concert, which was held in December 6th last year, where they exhibited their summer collection and recently, a fashion exhibition that they show-cased at the Emerald Green earlier this year.

 

They have also hit the runways in Arusha, Tanzania on 6th June, at the Jambo Fashion Affair and showcased their designs in South Africa, during the Retro Vintage Kolection African Fashion.

You can follow her on Facebook: Ankara By Chimzy