In a world filled with conservative ideologies and beliefs, Anyango Mpinga sets herself apart with her non-conformist approach to design.
Her collections embody both modern and traditional elements from her Luo and Sukuma heritage with unmatched opulence to create contemporary art in fashion. A journey that began during her first fashion show in 2011, Anyango Mpinga is taking the global fashion scene by storm with her disruptive take on fashion and advocacy. Her groundbreaking designs and revolutionary efforts in design led to her business being listed in the Black Parade Route, a directory of Black and African-owned small businesses arranged by Beyonce and Zerina Akers that was released on Juneteenth in 2020.
The designer has embraced
the principle of circular fashion by
using raw materials that would otherwise be deemed as waste in the design process. With increased scrutiny on fast fashion, her work revolves around catering for the conscious consumer, who prefers spending more on clothing that has been made ethically and is made to last which in the long term will protect the environment. Her initiative Free as a Human tackles the humanitarian and environmental crisis of the exploitative labor practices in the industry such as child labor and human trafficking.
The initiative has partnered with and supports the fundraising efforts of HAART Kenya, a Non-governmental Organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking. Profits from Free as a Human merchandise are donated directly to HAART Kenya to facilitate the operations of it’s shelter for females rescued from human trafficking. From Anyango’s Phonology series, Her newspaper and hummingbird print design invokes the need for all humans to be free and enjoy their freedoms – just like the hummingbird.
Free as A Human print design
Mpinga designs and stitches her collections digitally in 3D to avoid wasting materials which is safer for the environment. Digital and 3D design are technologies that are now being embraced in fashion for their ability to streamline design rendering and pattern making. Among the first to embrace 3D modeling in design, she also uses plant based materials and designs her collections to have long life cycles. As part of her residency with Helsinki Fashion Week, her collection included pieces stitched digitally with digitized garment patterns done in collaboration with digital artist Yifan Pu.
The collection features bold prints designed by Anyango and heavily inspired by Swahili architecture on the Kenyan coast.
By creating the entire campaign virtually, she has been able to reduce her carbon footprint while minimizing the environmental impact of her work. Anyango continues to set a niche for herself with her unorthodox design process and exquisite pieces that exude luxury.
