It's been 10 years since that high school boy designed the exquisite design for Miss Tanzania. Many experiences, and show-stealing-attires later, Mustafa the man is shaping Tanzania's fashion industry.
Tomorrow sees him present his ready to wear design at Arise Africa Fashion Week in Johannesburg, South Africa, a fashion show giving a platform for African designers.
"It is a perfect platform not only for networking but to look at diverse market opportunities hence the diversification into the ready to wear market segment," Mustafa says.
He has named this collection, "Mduara" and says it is inspired by the sacred, savoury, significance, sensual, soulful, and rhythms of our Swahili nation.
"The vibrancy of our music, culture, myths and beliefs form an integral part of our being hence "Mduara".
The local dance rhythms has inspired this ready to wear women collection which is an eclectic mix of tradition meeting modernity and vice versa," the designer who sees the venture as building brand Tanzania, adds.
The event shall feature 52 designers from 21 African Countries over a period of 8 Days. It starts from June 12- 19, 2009 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Mustafa is not knew in South Africa Fashion shows and has showcased six times. He was at the Sun City, In November 2008, for the M’Net Face of Africa finals, Tanzanite One Jewellery Showing in Cape Town during Mining Indaba 2007, Durban Fashion week 2006, Cape Town Fashion week 2005 and 2006 and Vukani Fashion Fair and awards in Pretoria 2004.
His media crew, that has a representative from Woman Magazine, was sponsored by Vodacom,Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation and 1time Airlines.
To celebrate his anniversary, Mustafa will be giving away two of the featured dresses to two lucky women. Woman magazine will throw in some yummy goodies to accompany the package. For your chance to win see ad on Page 2.
1) 0165: Grand entrance
Who said you can’t have fun when making your debut?
2) 0230: Red carpet moment
I am a queen, I deserve star treatment
3) IMG 0039: The party begins
When you are dressed to kill, everything falls into place
4) 0252: My idea of heaven
When everything is abuzz take comfort in the inner
comfort
5) 0003: Take a peak
I know exactly where I fit
6) 0198: Swing swing
You can still be a lady at a club
7) 0084: Just relax
At your service madam. When you are royalty, no questions should arise
Photo credits:
All clothes: Mustafa Hassanali, Arise African Fashion week collection
Shoes from: Maya Boutique, Shoppers Plaza
Shoot Location: Runway lounge, Shoppers plaza, Mikocheni
Photos: Salhim Shao
Stylist: Phyllis Nyambura
