HARARE – Ankara fabric got its name from a mispronunciation of the Capital or Ghana ACCRA which was central in popularizing this Dutch wax fabric. The fabric was trying to enter Indonesian markets and created a cheaper one, which was rejected by Indonesians but made its way into West African upper class and middle class culture.
HARARE – Hello Darlings, writers block and life becoming overbearing had me wanting to write this for weeks. So here we go, as a company we decided to go fully African Print when an aunt who closed her African retail sent her stock.
HARARE – Ever since I decided to put African Print clothing as the headline item in my shop I have a lot of mixed feelings about how clients feel about it. I would say a certain generation and group within generations think of it as a backward, Old Nollywood attire.
HARARE – Announcing a brand new style from HAMBA. I used to love experimenting with my designs and passion projects and this week I decided to give it a go. I love 50s style thinking Marilyn Monroe Old Hollywood style meets the coasts and safari of Africa.
Print clashing is one of my favourite things to do because it usually goes wrong, imagine colour and shape blocking. However fashion and style are different, style is effortless and does not come from external opinions but from within.
Take a look at my pieces
HARARE – Just as I thought let me do a photoshoot before I post new content let me share what I have been up to regarding my HAMBA African print clothing business.
This year I have been more about mass production of main styles to increase output. Ever since I started outsourcing tailoring services off site I had to streamline my costs.
So this is what I have made so far
When someone suggested I bring back the blog I thought to myself, why should I share content when I am going through some rough patches. However this blog was never about the fab life, it was sharing the realities of my life which are not always rosey and as simple as can be.
Winter is coming, at least it has hit some parts of South Africa already and we have you covered for the winter with our bomber jackets under HAMBA, which solve so many of fashions problems.
Problem 1: I want a jacket that is versatile throughout Winter and Summer and easy to layer
Solution: We have the classic bomber jacket that is available with a light fabric and light inner lining. Enjoy this jacket that is unisex and versatile as well, fabrics subject to availability.
The Classic Piece
Problem 2: I need to show off my figure and need a feminine jacket
Solution: Our crop versions have the beautiful length to show off the figure and a flattering cut to show off your feminine curves
Problem 3: I need a super bomber for winter to survive the windy days and extra cold weather
Solution: Our bated bombers give volume and warmth for the wearer and really useful for cold weather.
We got you covered you can find out the prices of these items with a $10 USD cash discount for cash payments. www.hambanow.bigcartel.com
Images and Creative Direction by SEIPONE MEDIA by Refenste Sebothoma
xoxo
Robin
HARARE, Zimbabwe – The year is starting and I cannot contain how excited I am to be alive first and foremost and able to make great clothes that people love as well.
Last year I lost a very important part of my soul, grandma Josephine who was in full support for HAMBA from the time in Lilongwe. Being able to share the beauty of life through my art. I am truly grateful!
I therefore love how the bomber jacket has been my favourite piece from the beginning.
To date there are four versions of the bomber.
Version 1: It was lined in pongee and mainly had khakhi sleeves as the signature look the contrast was everything.
Version 3: Crop Bomber adds a different proportion for women to show their waist and less bulky look.
Version 4: Zipper bomber for extra security has zippers for pockets
We keep getting better and we keep making the all weather bomber jacket for everyone!
Update 2024
I still love the bomber JACKET!!!
Xoxo
Robin
HARARE, Zimbabwe –Â Starting the fashion label was bumpy and very taxing as I created a collection for Lilongwe in 2017.
In 2018 I saw myself creating brand new clothing from materials inspired by Africa and fitness.
We emerged with a fusion of athleisure and glam feminine looks to our classic Bomber jacket which has four versions to date.
The African Print Bomber original, Puffy Bomber, Cropped Bomber, Zip Detailed Bomber.
2018 found us having two photoshoots. Our timely shoot was with South African photojournalist, Refenste Sebothoma. He has worked with Khosi Nkosi and MAHONE labels in South Africa to name a few.
Order yourself a bomber and other fancy clothing from HAMBA now available for sale on PAYPAL, USD and Rands.
Wear it at a festival, concert, luxury hotel, high tea, wedding, romantic date or at the mall you are sure to wear a HAMBA piece from a chilled weekend to a lit situation!
Xoxo
Robin
Harare, Zimbabwe –Â I recall starting this blog as a tumblr account on a dialup connection with ZOL as well as my moms HP computer which was for her company. If I had seen that in a few years I was going to have a collection in Malawi and clothes shot in Johannesburg I would have never believed.
I started very small but driven. I had a web camera for my content. Imagine a laptop on the ground as I took pictures of my shoe finds.
Often we forget where we came from. How much has been done to fuel a dream. Often making us feel ungrateful when we look back 5 years ago how one dream to start a blog has turned into a business from travel to fashion.
In 2014 I started Ngosikadzi and the designer I worked with, was a mess. In 2017 I met Michelle Hakata as a boss of mine ended up teaching me how to run a fashion line. A senior media person taught me how to start a fashion line! Mentors are found everywhere.
The point I am making is there is no need to get bogged down in getting trained before you find that drive to work with what you have access to.
Today could be the beginning of a new journey into unknown territory…your obstacle is YOU as much as your enabler is YOU. What side of you are you going to let dominate you.
Just do it. As long as you do something you learn.
Xoxo
Robin
Concrete Jungle Blog 