Christine Mhando is the founder and talented fashion designer behind Chichia London. A London girl of Tanzanian origins, Mhando has always been steady, inspirational and a real “Afropean” – her collections convey a worldview of intermingling cultures. This covers everything from the range of materials selected to the various/final silhouettes designed.
Christine Mhando graduated from Kent University with an honours degree, in 2002. After her studies, Mhando gained invaluable experience working for high-end designers as well as womenswear brands and suppliers for the high-street Mecca. With the knowledge she acquired, Tanzanian-born Mhando launched the label that bears her childhood nickname, Chichia in 2007.
Chichia London is a one of a kind label bringing this “New African Fashion.” As a recognized international African fashion designer, Mhando has developed an interesting, smart and mature signature. What could have been a contradictory blend of traditional and modern style became a standard in African fashion, as designers constantly continue to investigate its unlimited possibilities.
eye-catching colourful prints in natural fabrics
traditional east African cotton printed fabric
The Chichia ready to wear range is an amalgamation of both continents and cultures from which the designer was born and raised. The label’s signature transpires from the artful application of the “Khanga”, a traditional east African cotton printed fabric used by local women as wraps.
The first Chichia collection was sold in London’s famous home of independent designers Laden Showroom quickly earning the label commercial success. Each collection consists of an eclectic range of dresses and separates in modern wearable silhouettes and styles in a variety of succulent colours. Chichia’s intelligent use of eye-catching colourful prints in natural fabrics intermixed with beautiful embellishments and intricate detailing makes every piece uniquely innovative and a timeless addition to anyone’s wardrobe.
Stocked in independent boutiques across the world and online, Chichia has gained a cult following on the online blog circuit as well as extensive press attention in distinguished publications such as Grazia, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and Vogue Italia. All have warranted Chichia a place at London Fashion Week showcasing in fashion events such as Untold and Fashion Diversity, as well as other prestigious events across the world including ARISE Magazine fashion week 2011 in Lagos, Urban Outfitters BAZAAAAR Pop Up in New York and Labo Ethnik Fashion Weekend 2013 in Paris, to name but a few.
In 2013 she was featured on Vogue Italia Talents, it is understandable why her inspired use of colour and print has warranted the Chichia label with a growing celebrity following. With fans including Beyonce, Chichia is fastly becoming recognised as an international African brand that modernises and transforms traditional East African textiles into stylish, contemporary and considered fashionable attire.
Chichia London (S/S 2014)
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