"....one day soon, Africa will be part of a serious revolution to develop the country through fashion...best believe. "
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''In a rebellion against the concept of how a fashion accessory should look like"
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What does "Vanhu Vamwe" mean and can you define the brand?
Vanhu Vamwe 'SHONA' for 'one people' sends the message of coming together as citizens of the world. Vanhu Vamwe is a fashion brand whose style focuses on a simplistic approach to design by embracing the value of minimalist aesthetics and materials. My accessories are created using a blend of different materials, mainly using vegetable tan leather with a mixture of perspex and industrial yarn. There is also a strong emphasis on up-cycling creating fashion artefacts that push boundaries.
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| Finalist Vogue and Muuse: Best International Fashion Accessory Designer 2014 |
How did you get started?
Out of a career of journalism another creative bubble burst in the name of fashion. After setting up a studio in my house I decided to go back to University to study Fashion Accessory design with a speciality in leather luxury goods. Fast forward 2015,that was the best decision apart from my husband and children I made in my life!
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| Colourful VV bag |
What do you enjoy the most about your career?
I love handbag design and making, but most importantly I am a mentor more than anything, my fashion journey has given me the privileged to be able to help other people who have a dream in fashion. I feel very blessed that out of a creative passion I can potentially change other people's outcomes.
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We imagined mud huts,Solely dirt tracks.............Misconceptions of Africa
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You have a very poetic essence in your inspiration. What drives you to do what you do?
I am a story teller by nature, I love stories with depth and thus I transferred that love to my design concepts. I use anything from my dreams, to very challenging times in my life to create products which talk to the viewer, it is important that people engage with my work, and my hope is that they are inspired.
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| PERFECT IMPERFECTIONS COLLECTION |
What accessory (from your collections) are you most fond of ?
Oh no!! That is like asking which one of my children is my favourite! I am very very protective of my work, that even after a product is sold, I often email whoever has bought to ''check on it''. Sounds crazy, but this is how much I put my all in my work. To stop being difficult I would say my collection ''perfect imperfections'' which was featured in Vogue is my favourite to date.
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| A must have VV bag |
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I feel so blessed because from early on in my career I was so blessed to have many ''OMG'' moments. I have to say, the whole journey the last three years has been a dream. I sometimes pinch myself and wonder where I am going with this, but all is well.
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| Vanhu Vamwe Creative Designer Pam Samasuwo - Nyawiri |
What’s next for Pam Samasuwo - Nyawiri and Vanhu Vamwe
I have many projects lined up including final edit for an academic book on African fashion, amazing collaborations this year, and also a clothing high fashion editorial line for Vanhu Vamwe.
What advice would you give to other young accessory designers?
Stay focused, establish your own design aesthetic , do not copy anyone. Also being consistent is paramount, it shows discipline. remember success is more powerful than popularity.
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| How to carry your VV bag |
What do you think of African inspired fashion?
I am not a fan of African inspired fashion, especially the prints, I think they are over done and over rated. There is so much inspiration in Africa waiting to be explored, it just does not make sense to see designers using the same fabrics for collections. Africa has a vast amount of materials and craftsmanship, why are we not thinking outside the box?
What do you hope to see in the future for African designers and the African fashion industry?
I hope to see a vibrant manufacturing industry in Africa, where designers no longer use China to be exploited. more designers on the international platform and Africa supplying and buying from international retailers. Fashion is a multi billion dollar industry, one day soon, Africa will be part of a serious revolution to develop the country through fashion...best believe.
PHOTO CREDIT: VANHU VAMWE
