Local fashion designer is changing the narrative
MORNINGSIDE – This local fashion entrepreneur prides herself on changing the narrative around African fashion and African prints.
After discovering her love for fashion at the age of seven, Sandton resident Gracia Bampile has grown to be a local household name.
The fashion entrepreneur, who recently opened a store in Rosebank Mall, has prided herself on changing the narrative around African fashion and African prints. “My parents bought me an African print dress for my 10th birthday and it was so ugly I couldn’t even wear it.
“As I grew up, I started making my own clothes and I realised many people didn’t really like African print wear because the designs weren’t really fashion-forward and stylish so I began making clothes for myself and just enjoyed the process of designing them,” said Bampile.
After watching her grandmother, who was a seamstress at the time, the young designer was inspired to learn and further her love for clothing. Thus came the launch of her local brand, Haute Afrika, in 2015.
Fast-forward seven years later, Bampile has had the opportunity to dress the likes of Ancillar Mangena, Maps Maponyane, Jessica Nkosi, Mihlali Ndamase, Boity Thulo, and many more.
“The rise of African print gave me so many memories of home because I come from a background where African print is our normal, everyday wear.
“I was inspired by the need to reinforce African values in African fashion and African authenticity by making African print everyday wear and not just clothing for special occasions. I want to show the world what Africa is made of and what Africa has to offer.”
Details: Haute Afrika www.hauteafrika.com
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