IN STORE FROM 15-17 JAN 2016
Nolali; noun
Meaning; “He/She who is from the village”
Used as a reference of origin in the Nguni language of IsiXhosa
By Cebisa Mafukuzela, Jan 16
The greatest inspiration for myself as a creative has been the magic and diversity that exists within the continent of Africa. The African continent is the home to so many different cultures, religions and races. With all this diversity, it is a goldmine of ideas and inspiration and creates an opportunity for design, collaboration and sharing of ideas and inspiration from culture to culture.
This is my inspiration. This is what drives me to explore the different aspects of being African.
The Masai warriors of Kenya, the prints and fabric they drape around themselves.
The Himba women of Namibia and the red clay they use on their skin and hair.
The Herero women, also of Namibia, and their elaborate and bright dresses.
The bright fabrics of Ghana, Senegal, Mali, Benin and many other corners of Africa.
Our beautiful and lively street markets where one can find anything from fresh produce to electronics. We are a magical people. We are what should inspire the world.
We live on a continent that gives us endless ideas and innovation that, through design can be catalyst to the creation of an identity that truly speaks to being African.
Nolali is an explorative brand which interrogates the existing norm around African apparel by finding and defining a modern African style that draws directly from the essence of African dress. Taking items of meaning and modifying them to a style that can be w0rn on a daily basis.
To make African style the norm within the African context, as oppose to the current status quo, where African dress is almost considered costume or occasional wear.
Nolali is a brand on a journey to discover a Contemporary African Style.
My current collection takes from the traditional attire of a newly wed Xhosa woman and takes shapes and fabrics from current trends to create a style of dress that is distinctly African inspired, easy to wear and different from what is on most shelves.
Nolali is a brand that strives to connect us with our African routes, but also celebrate our diversity for it is in our diversity as African where we find the things that make us all the same. Those points where our diversity and individualism overlap, those are the junctions that Nolali wishes to celebrate.
Nolali, an Evolving Narrative
