Friday Feature: Mutiboko

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Caroline Mutiboko is the Kenyan designer from Mutiboko. Meet her designs and get to know this fabulous lady.

Introduce Mutiboko and the designer behind the brand:
I’m a Kenyan designer and have been told by my grandparents that Mutiboko means “Creative One.”

I have always felt that Mutiboko is a very bold and steadfast name and wanted my brand to be associated with such attributes. It’s an eponymous label and I love the way that it sounds.

Who inspires your designs?
So many things inspire. It may be something that someone says or feels, lyrics to a song, a particular fabric or color, I could go on forever! My current Autumn Winter/Spring Summer collection is inspired by the glamor of Old Hollywood, chivalry and etiquette.

What is your target audience for your collection?
Those discerning women who dress for their personality as opposed to following a fashion trend. A woman who buys a Mutiboko dress is looking for something a little more exclusive and different.

Where can people buy your items?
Clients can purchase a Mutiboko piece www.mutiboko.com by placing an order over the telephone +44(0) 208 803 9024 with our lovely customer care team. Currently we are shipping within the UK only. We also have a stockist in Notting Hill London called The Dispensary http://www.thedispensary.net

Where are you based?
We work out of our studio in North London.

Who are your favorite emerging designers and what is it that you love about them?
My favorite emerging designer is Erdem as he doesn’t play safe. His prints and silhouettes are instantly recognizable.

Influential designers that I admire are firstly Azzedine Alaia. I went to an exhibition at the V & A a few years ago that blew me away. His dresses were like works of art, true sculptures, and his attitude is very inspiring.

Second in line: Thierry Mugler, who I consider a point of reference because of the dramatic exaggeration and couture that he brings to his work. I have a couple of his books at home and every time I look at the images, it’s like the first time…

If you had to give men and women advice on style what would you say?
Last week I was walking to my house and a young man in his twenties passed me. He was wearing a three piece tweed suit with beautiful brown brogues. He was very confident and was walking with real purpose. It was obvious that he was very comfortable and proud in what he was wearing. So I would say that personal style works as long as you are being true to yourself.

What is your best attribute?
Quiet determination and persistence.

Favourite lyrics from a song?
Aretha Franklin : “But I know my change is gonna come.”

Words I live by
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”

Incoming search terms:

• CAROLINE MUTIBOKO
• kenya female fashion jewerely
• mutiboko