Abdel Kareem ElSudaise Mumini, Creative Director of the Mumini Fashion Empire brand, is a Sierra Leonean fashion designer focusing on modern menswear.
“My aim is to contribute and empower the 21st century of haute couture. And by haute couture, I mean more generally “the art of fashion,” the place where innovation and craft are perfected into the finest possible level. I am exploring new forms of craftsmanship to make couture a source of innovation. My work is exactly the opposite of what generally fashion is today.” Sierra Leone’s fashion designer and CEO of the Mumini Fashion Empire told Salone Messenger.
At a young age, whiles in school, Mumini was inspired by his late father who own a tailoring shop around Goderich Street and ’”Alhaji Mumini and Sons Tailoring Shop” to go into the fashion industry. Mumini who’s commonly called The Fashion Czar, was involved in fashion shows and had always dreamt of setting up his own collection “I took part in many fashion shows, I was so outstanding back then that you can’t speak of fashion trendsetters without mentioning my name” he told Salone Messenger, a public relations firm based in Sierra Leone. I have used intricate embroidery by collecting Sierra Leonean textiles like Gara, Ronko and Country Cloth to pay homage to my father’s style. The renowned fashion designer revealed during an interview.
Mumini continues with fashion designing as career by participating In fashion shows in schools, communities and around the country , but his main focus is directed to promote his late Dad’s legacy Mumini Fashion Empire. Inspired by his family, The Fashion Czar has successfully built a brand using local textiles to give a facelift to the Fashion industry in Africa. His achievements have been recognized by many in Sierra Leonean community and beyond.
Professional Engagement
In my first years, I was focused on handwork and craftsmanship only. (I didn’t even use a sewing machine.) Now my process has become much more collaborative, interacting with architects, and other stylists to create garments that combine experimental technology with traditional craftsmanship. This interdisciplinary research creates a constant dialogue and new knowledge and challenge for the atelier. The last thing that has changed a lot is my approach to what fashion should be.
Beyond the fashion brand, Mumini also mentor aspiring local designers on how to bring out their unique identity and how to use that to attract a large clientele.
Challenges of Fashion industry
Abdel Kareem ElSudaise Mumini reveals that a major challenge for local designers is traveling out of Sierra Leone to take part in international shows. He further noted that the few who are opportune come back with European and African styles and trends. Another major challenge is the market.
Successes
Abdel Kareem ElSudaise Mumini has been in international and local fashion shows including; The Mercedes Fashion Week in Ghana, and Nigeria BhExpo. Last year he took part in The Threads of Sierra Leone Fashion Show organized by The British High Commission and The British Council. Abdel Kareem ElSudaise Mumini’s clients include notable personalities both home and abroad.
Inspiration.
“My inspiration or aspirations is a bit different from some of my colleagues, my dad was my role model, so for me to fit in his picture I need to follow his trade.
Next to that, my sense of fashion has played a bigger role in my work. I have grown into being a man myself, and this feeling is leading me much more than before. I dare to use my intuition now.”
Contact Mumini Fashion Empire at the following address and social media handles
Office address: 36 Main motor road Congo Cross.
2 Campbell street (SA Beckley Building)
Email: akmumini@gmail.com
Phone number: +23276779755
+23278204465
Facebook: mumini fashion empire
Instagram: Mumini Fashion
Twitter: officialmuminifashion
