Hi guys, I hope y'all had a fab weekend! A week ago designer Sheria Ngowi showcased his new Sheria na Mavazi collection in Bungalow.Sheria is not new fashionjunkii. He has been featured on Fashionjunkii numerous times. Here is an interview conducted by FJ two days after his big night. I apologize for posting it a week later but I am sure you are going to enjoy reading it.
FJ: Briefly introduce yourself?
SN:Sheria Walter Thomas Ngowi. I am a Lawyer and Fashion Designer from Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania.
FJ: How did the name Sheria na Mavazi came about?
SN:Sheria is my name and Mavazi means clothes in Swahili, So Sheria na Mavazi stands for Dressing Principles or Regulations.
FJ: When did you know you wanted to dress people? did you go to designing school?
SN:My interest inFashion has been with me for as long as I can remember. My parents were also as influence since they too had an interest and sence of Fashion and trends at that time. I remember styling my parents before they went out and pretty soon I was the family stylist, Then I realized I had a talent in Fashion. Yes I have a Diploma in Fashion designing.
FJ: What was the inspiration behind your new collection?
SN: Well , My designs are heavily influenced by the vintage era. So I blend modern trends with the classics vintage look and incorporate numerous colors.
FJ: Last year you debuted your designs for both women and men, Why mens wear only this time around?
SN:For two reason
this collection is a dedication to my late father whi was the driving force behind my love for fashion. Secondly, I decided to focus on one gender at a time to ensure that I put my all into each of the collection. Womens collection is on the way.
this collection is a dedication to my late father whi was the driving force behind my love for fashion. Secondly, I decided to focus on one gender at a time to ensure that I put my all into each of the collection. Womens collection is on the way.FJ: If you had a chance to dress someone famous who would that be?
SN: That's a difficult pick to make but it would be my honour to dress up the President of my country, Mr. Jakaya Kikwete.
FJ: Who is an ideal Sheria na Mavazi Man?
SN: The Ideal Sheria na Mavazi man is one who is confortable with who he is and never forces his look.
FJ: where do you see Sheria na Mavazi in 5 years ?
SN: I see Sheria Ngowi designs being eligible to apply for all the important Fashion weeks hosted around the world.
FJ: Where can we purchase your designs? do you have a website/online store?SN: Still my website is under construction at the moment, once completed interested customers will be supplied with all necessary information concerning how and where they can purchase my designs.
FJ: Who is your fashion Icon and Why?
SN:Tom Ford, simply because he is solely responsible for the turnaround of one of the most stylish brands there is out there, Gucci.
FJ: How is the Fashion mood in Tanzania right now? and where do you see Tanzania designers in 5years?
SN: Fashion is definately picking up in Tanzania, However we still got a long way to go. We need to find a way to blend in our cultural roots and morden trends, and come up with our own style. We are definately going places though.
FJ: Who is your favorite Tanzanian designer?
SN: I dont have one because they all appeal to me in their own ways with their unique styles.
FJ: What do you think of Swahili Fashion week? Do you think is helping our local Tanzanian designers?
SN: Its a great opportunity to promote the fashion industry in our country, as well as East Africa as a whole. I am looking forward to being a part of it.
FJ: Any advice to up- and -coming designers?
SN: Dont give up on your dreams. Be the change in the fashion industry, That you want to see.
Thank you very much. Shukurani sana Sheria for giving us a great collection and for taking time to answer our questions. Visit Sheria na Mavazi blogspot for your latest updates in Fashion, Celebs and Music.
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