Africa Fashion Week London has announced the event’s headline designer for the 2016 edition of the biggest African fashion event in Europe. The event taking place at Olympia on the 9th and 10th of September will see Tanzanian designer, Mustafa Hassanali as it’s headline designer.
Below is the profile of the designer as announced by AFWL 2016.
Pan African Designer Mustafa Hassanali, a celebrated name in Tanzania who pursues fashion as a religion, is the headline designer for Africa Fashion Week London 2016. His personable and affable demeanour in parallel with his bohemian work of art has made him amidst the premier and popular designers in Tanzania and beyond.
Considered a fashion guru, his designs reflect the deeply embedded cultural heritage of Tanzanian society along with the avant-garde, couture and contemporary styles.
A medical Doctor by Profession, fashion designing began as a hobby in 1999, whereby one of his first creation was worn by Hoyce Temu who was crowned Miss Tanzania 1999 wearing his signature evening gown. Thus began the roller coaster ride that eventually led to the growth and creation of Tanzania Fashion Industry which can be duly accredited to the zeal and zest of Mustafa Hassanali.
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Hassanali’s zest for fashion is not only limited to fostering his own creations and offering something new to his target audience, but he also believes in the enhancement of the Tanzanian Fashion Industry on the whole.
Mustafa has showcased in 31 cities across 21 Countries globally representing as Tanzania Fashion and Cultural ambassador. And for the first time, he will be showcasing in London on the Africa Fashion Week London platform. Mustafa’s work has been highly appreciated at the International level. He has worked alongside Naomi Campbell’s who has modelled for him, to various celebrities and high-profile leaders who have adorned his couture.
Mustafa Hassanali was also appointed by the Minister for Information, Youth, Culture and Sports to be part of the steering committee to search for Tanzania National Attire. He also has been the only designer to have been invited by Tanzania Embassy in Sweden and Russia to celebrate Tanzania Mainland and The union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar 50th anniversary in 2011 and 2014 respectively.
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What adds a unique dimension to Hassanali’s persona is his constant initiative in going out of his way, in supporting various charities such as “Breast Cancer Awareness” & “Violence against Women”. In Zanzibar he has supported the Zanzibar Mental Hospital. No wonder his medical background has resulted in the establishment of the brand “Fashion 4 Health”.