Rina Chunga: Afrocentric Power Dressing

Afrocentricism has been played out and overused over the past year and it's forced me to think about what makes Afrocentricism a relevant trend in fashion. As much as I appreciate Traditionalism, the interpretations that make me giddy are the ones tailored for the modern woman.

Rina Chunga, up and coming designer has built and is building a label that caters to the modern woman, creating a brand of lady I'm keen to see make a statement, The Afrikan Power Dresser. 

What inspires you as a designer?

music and art are my main inspirations. I like my clothes to make u feel bold, strong and sexy, the same way a good jam does.

Most of your designs are based around Afrocentric prints, does the origin of these prints affect your design process or define it in anyway?

My ready to wear range Chitenge Meisie is built up around African prints and my heritage which is Zambian and South African. I prefer to use fabric brought in straight from Zambia because of the quality and also there are so many more amazing print choices. I like to let the prints sort of guide me as far as mixing prints and choices go

I love the sharp shouldered blazers you've got going, would you say that you make garments perfect for the Power Dressing Woman?

 I love to design for strong women so I definitely would agree that my garments are great pieces for power dressing 

What do you think of the SA fashion industry and where would you like to see it go?

I would like it to be a little more "exclusive", not a "cool kid" go to. Unfortunately fashion is so easily accessible to every fly by night designer. I'd like to see fashion weeks be more strict as far as who they let show. I'd just like to see fashion be treated more like art in South Africa. 

Lastly, if you could wear one designer and dine with one person, what would you wear and who would you choose?

I would dine with Solange Knowles because I'm a little crazy obsessed with her, I have been since she shaved her head. And I would dine with Pholoso Selebogo I heard about her from a friend recently and I find I'm fascinated by her and would love to know more and learn from this young South African wonder-kid.