Local designer talks fashion
MIDRAND - Cynthia Umukoro, a Noordwyk resident, is an African wear designer who takes pride in her work.
Umukoro, who describes her fashion range as ‘chic African wear with a modern touch’ said she started off as an auditor. “Little did I know that after all that studying I would follow my love for designing clothes.”
Her fashion label, Africa Fashion House, was launched close to two years ago and Umukoro cannot believe how much it has grown. Umukoro has a range of African office wear, dresses, jumpsuits, clutch bags and more. “I am enjoying seeing people buy, take pride and wear something that I have created. The brand has grown, we started off at home, rented a place in Noordwyk and already we are looking into bigger space.”
Umukoro, who works alongside her husband Lawrence Umukoro, added that the business has its challenges. “We trusted a Chinese woman to market some pieces for us, but she stole our designs. We saw one of them on a popular new soapie on TV and we learnt that we should not trust that anyone else will push the brand on our behalf.”
She stressed that as a designer, one needs to stick to what their style is and hope that clients will see through the many fake and cheaper versions of the design out there.
Umukoro will soon showcase her winter collection at Sandton Convention Centre.
Share your thoughts on this story with Midrand Reporter in the comments below.
