< Back to all entries & Profiles
User Munema profile image

Munema Chipalabela

Self Employed

Devianprice Zambia Ltd

My journey in textiles and garments started 20 years ago when I started working in a garment factory. I developed a passion for different types of textiles and leather over the years. What moves me the most about the leather and textile sector is the ability to create a decent livelihood for people of different backgrounds and educational levels as well as the relationship between the craftsmanship and cultural preservation. I have worked on developing skills in garment manufacturing, knitting and leatherwork. I love to see natural materials such as cotton and hides turn into fabric and leather for various products. One of the most underused raw materials which I hope to be able to process and use in my designs is sheep's wool. I am also highly inspired by my culture and heritage. Our ancestors used art on rocks and in our fabrics and garments to celebrate their culture and pass indigenous knowledge. A visit to some of our cultural sites gives us a glimpse into our past and helps us see how far we have developed. I hope that by incorporating elements of my culture in my designs I too can pass on a piece of my heritage to the next generations.

Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
← →
x

Afro Leather Hoodie

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Africa

The Afro Leather hoodie is designed to be an every day winter wear garment with an African touch. The main body, that is, the front and back panels are made of brown Leather sourced from our local tannery. The back will feature hand embroidery of a traditional dancer in a Zambian traditional outfit. The sleeves, waist belt and the hoodie are made from 2 ply wool knitted on a V-bed manual knitting machine. Ideally, the knitted parts would be made of sheep's wool spun into 2 ply yarn. Unfortunately, we do not have any wool processing plant at the moment but in view of sustainability I hope my garment will bring attention to the opportunity for wool processing. The sleeves will also be lined with a thin layer of filler to add to the warmth of the jacket. The inside lining is made of cotton fabric printed with an indigenous pattern inspired by the Tonga baskets made in the southern part of Zambia. The inspiration for this garment comes from our tradition of story telling through the rock art our ancestors drew, the fabrics and cultural outfits they wore and the art and artefacts they made which give us a glimpse of what life was like in their days. The knowledge of my heritage gives me a deep sense of pride and belonging and has built within me a need to find ways in which to share this knowledge. Overall, this garment is sustainable because it is made of leather and wool which are natural products to which value is added. it also gives me an opportunity to add elements of my culture and heritage that I want to communicate to the next generations so that they too can appreciate their heritage and pass it on to the next generation. This garment also showcases a blended set of skills in leather, art , textiles and garments. These too are skills that need to be appreciated and deliberate steps should be taken to pass on this knowledge to the nest generation of artisans and craftsmen and women. My hope is that this garments when seen by my parents and grandparents may ignite the passion to tell the African story as was done in the past.

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.