Meet The Designer
The Creative Mind Behind the BAMUN Collection - Hortense Mbea
Welcome to our exciting interview series, "Meet The Designer," where we delve into the creative minds shaping the cultural landscape through fashion. Our inaugural guest needs no introduction: the remarkable Hortense Mbea, founder and creative director of Afropian. With a passion for redefining cultural narratives, Hortense brings a unique perspective to the fashion world, blending Afrocentric influences with contemporary design.
As we embark on this journey with Hortense, she will enlighten us about her latest collection, her driving passions, and the inspirations behind her captivating creations. Get ready to immerse yourself in her world of elegance, innovation, and cultural richness.
For those who have yet to experience the grandeur of a royal wedding in Cameroon, this is an exclusive opportunity to discover the brilliance of Hortense Mbea and Afropian. Let's dive into the realm of creativity and celebration!
Could you please share the name and the inspiration behind your latest collection?:
Hortense Mbea: My latest collection is called Bamun, A Royal Wedding BAMUN is the name of an ancestral culture in Western Cameroon, a strong and resilient people who has its own alphabet, and unique architecture and is helmed by a Sultan. The Bamun resisted colonial erasure and they are a proud and fascinating people. Afropian's latest collection is inspired by the sister of Afropian’s founder, Pemboura, who is a Bamun Princess. It imagines her nuptials had she chosen to celebrate them at the palace in Fumban, the capital city of the Sultanate. The colours are hues of blue, as well as touches of black and silver, the brand uses its signature handmade African textiles such as Ndop (the actual royal fabric of the Bamun people), Indigo (Mali), Baule (Ivory Coast), Shemma (Ethiopia)and Mandjak (Senegal), as well as traditional Ethiopian hand-embroidery. BAMUN is a 20-look collection, each luxurious and elegant look representing a character or guest at the wedding: servants, priests, bridesmaids or guards, which makes for a variety of styles and silhouettes.
Are there any specific fashion eras or designers that influence your work?
Hortense Mbea: I am very much inspired by Africa before its history was interrupted by slavery and colonization, I would say those are the eras that inspire me: the unadulterated version of Africans at their best and truest. I admire designers such as Imane Ayissi, Stella St Jean who marvelously show that indigenous textiles can make amazing couture and have global appeal.
Which materials and fabrics do you prefer working with the most, and why?:
Hortense Mbea: I only work with handmade African textiles because I love them and, with 54 countries, the Continent is blessed with a wide array of materials. It would take me several lifetimes to use them. I also want to show that it is possible to dress fully Made in Africa and look regal, elegant and stylish: no need to look outside of ourselves, we have it all! I apply the same logic to the jewelry and bags I make. In addition, our textiles, our beads, our brass etc all tell stories. They are not merely pretty things.
How do you stay updated with the latest fashion trends and industry developments?:
Hortense Mbea: I don't really focus on trends but I do follow a few brands that I enjoy and that give me a flavour of what is happening globally. I am very interested in developments in our industry, especially as relates to A.I. I read reports such as those produced by Fashionomics Africa, the Mastercard Foundation, Fashinnovation and more.
In your opinion, what is the future of fashion, and how do you plan to evolve with it?
Hortense Mbea: Artificial Intelligence is here to stay, there is no hiding from it. It is essential to master A.I tools, especially in Africa, lest we get left behind by this new revolution. A.I will be crucial for automation, to save time and also money. However, the human touch is what will make brands stand out and I plan on always infusing my creations with that: my human touch and my human heart.
