Suzan Mutesi – The African Fashion Icon that conquered Australia

A formidable force of fashion

This 28-year Ugandan fashion designer based in Australia earned the ‘Fashion Icon of the Year award’ at the Afro-Australia Music and Movie awards in September. She got this award because of her tremendous contribution to the fashion industry in Australia whilst promoting her Ugandan culture. Her title ‘The African Fashion Icon that conquered Australia‘ stems from the fact that she won the award of ‘Australian Designer of the year‘ two times in a row (2011 and 2012) and has cemented herself as a formidable force of fashion in Australia.

She talks to us about her plans to open a store in Kampala, dressing Rihanna and getting nominated for the Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards 2014.

With all this success, what is the one thing that drives you?
I am committed and take pride in creating unique designs for my clients. I get material and fabric from around the world i.e, Europe, Africa and Australia to design clothes for women, children and men. What we have is not just a clothing shop but a culture.

suzan 2 — At the Afro-Australia Music and Movie awards in September

We’ve heard about your plans to produce a TV show, how will that pan out?
I am also a TV presenter; I am working on a TV show called Suzan Mutesi. Where we will have people with a heart of Gold share their stories so they can inspire others. It should air soon hopeful on Ugandan Television.

What does’ Heart of Gold’ mean in this context?
Heart of Gold Africa was formed to help the rural people of Africa in attaining information to fight the digital age and advocate for their fundamental rights and improve their health and socio-economic status. The organisation provides education and awareness using an integrated approach of communication.

Heart of Gold Africa organisation is very involved in helping the less fortunate. The foundation is affiliated with “suzan Mutesi Fashion House” a designer label of African inspiration. You can help by purchasing a dress as 10% of the money spent is given to the foundation.

http://heartofgoldafrica.org.au/

How was it starting out as a fashion designer in Australia?
Growing up in Uganda, I’ve always been passionate about style and design. As a little girl I enjoyed playing with African fibre dolls and dressing my friends’ dolls using the fibre dresses; mixed and matched outfits, and styled my friends and sisters. After making the move to Australia to complete high school, my passion only grew stronger. Teaching myself only the basics of design, such as alterations and mending torn clothes in my wardrobe. I endeavored to make extraordinary yet inexpensive clothes for dolls. I played on a sewing machine; I knew that to be recognised as a designer I would need to further develop my skills from garment construction to sewing and pattern making.
I was soon accepted into one of Australia’s top-ranked design institutions, Raffles KvB Institute of Technology, graduating with a Bachelor of Design majoring in Fashion. With dreams to own a recognised, international label, my professional journey kicked off.

How did you snag the slot to dress the famous Erin Holland Miss World 2011?
I was one of the designers that showcased at The Fashion Vs Music (The Launch of Mark Presents) on a Starship Sydney Harbour (Glass Boat). Miss World 2011, Erin Holland was one of the celebrity models that walked down the runway that evening.

Do you have a store in Australia?
Yes. It is in Australia, Sydney for now at 29 provincial st Auburn 2144. For the people in Uganda and East Africa, I will be opening up a store in Kampala, but for now customers can shop online at www.suzanmutesi.com

Who are some of the other famous people you have worked with?
I dressed Rihanna and Kelly Rowland in 2010 for their shows in Australia; the late Charlotte Dawson who was a judge on Australia’s Next Top Model for a commercial on Foxtel 8; I dressed Lisa Viola for the Independent Artist Music Awardsl; Miss Diana Rouvas for Arias 2012 and Tammin Pamela Sursok who is known for her roles on Home and Away, The Young and the Restless and Pretty Little Liars. I have also designed dresses that were worn by Miss World contestant Sheron Sultan in 2011, Miss World Fiji contestant Juneth Ndele 2013 and Miss Philippines. My other clients include X-Factor participant Bella, guest-star Sophia of the group Three Wishes and Miss Globe 2012 winner Karen Gee.

What does it mean to you getting nominated for the Abryanz Style and Fashion awards in Kampala?
I have received the Australian Fashion Designer of the year award twice in 2011 and 2012. In September this year, I was awarded Fashion Icon of the year still in Australia. Getting nominated for the fashion awards at home means a lot to me and my brand. It is a sign that I am just as appreciated at home as I am here in Australia.

Satisfashionug@gmail.com

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