Fashion Collections

[Kampala Fashion Week]: Edward Ssempa, Creative Director of Catherine & Sons Talks New Collection, And The State of Uganda’s Fashion

By satisfashionug | October 9, 2018

When it comes to creating a fashion brand in Uganda that meets global ethical standards, and also putting together a fashion event that attracts press and attention from across the world, Edward Ssempa is the the go-to visionary. During Kampala Fashion Week, we had a chat with him shortly after presenting his debut menswear collection, on the state of Uganda’s fashion industry, and why his team chose to stage this year’s event at the iconic Kampala Railway station.

You have had the opportunity to show at Kampala Fashion Week right from its inception in 2014, how different has this edition been for you?

As a designer and also part of the creative team, every time we strive to change ourselves. So, it’s always a challenge to come up with a new space. As a designer, this was the first time I was doing menswear by the way. It’s always a challenge finding a new space and beautifying it. And also surprise people. Maybe next year we shall do it in a hospital. We always strive to take people on a journey.

Talking about spaces, how did you come up with this idea of Kampala Railway Station. It has been a fabulous set for the shows

Well, after Kampala Forest last year, our set designer suggested a different space. After a few meetings, we found out that it (Kampala Railyway Station) was available. We we’re like ‘Why not? This is a challenge, let’s make it happen. On paper it looks quite good, but in reality it’s a lot of work. But, we liked the challenge. And, it’s also good because we shouldn’t be doing shows in halls and hotels. Try to push yourselves. That way, you can be creative, Uganda is very beautiful. There are many places we haven’t seen yet.

As a designer, what inspires your designs and creations?

Everyday life. I create clothes that are comfortable to wear and relaxed. For my debut menswear collection, I was looking at something casual, nothing structured or too tight. Something you can wear to see a girlfriend, your friends or even to go to church.

Was this the first time you were working with prints?

I’ve worked with prints when I’m making my own things, but never for a runway collection. So, I decided to do a collection and It worked out fine.

Does the market dictate what you create?

It does, and it doesn’t. Thing is, fashion is business. Create what the customer wants. If they want prints, give them prints. It’s not about money completely, you can still be creative. For example, there were some details where the collars and cuffs have zips that open. So, you can add twist, because menswear is very classic. You can’t do a bow here, or a big sleeve as with womenswear. Very few people can wear that. Joram can maybe! It has to be classic so that a corporate guy can wear the clothes with ease.

Finally, what’s your take on the current state of Uganda’s fashion industry?

I think we’re still far away from where we want to be. We’re lacking cooperation. Everyone is on their own. There are so many big egos. Let’s all work together. The only way to move forward is by working together. This is a business, let’s make money. If we remove the egos, Uganda is set for big things. Currently, I believe, we are the fashion capital in East Africa. We’re not Lagos, they have the money, but we are certainly getting there.

See looks from the Catherine & Sons’ debut menswear collection