Designer Spotlight #10: Achea-Mpong - African Splendour

As a little girl in Uganda, designer Suzan Mutesi played with African fibre dolls. She made clothes for her dolls out of pieces of clothing found in her wardrobe, whilst daydreaming of a future where she could design and create clothing for women.

A few years later, Mutesi shifted closer to her dream by moving to Australia to study fashion design at the Raffles KvB Institute of Technology. Upon completing her degree, she worked with renowned bridal and couture designer Steven Khalil, further cultivating and refining her design and pattern-making skills.

After expending considerable effort and overcoming certain challenges, Mutesi founded her fashion label Achea-Mpong in 2009 and she isn't looking back.

“I aim to create designs with a cultural twist, thus making them unique to the Australian fashion scene. My collections illustrate my cultural background through a medley of ethnic prints. My creations are often cocktail, black-tie and red-carpet wear, which includes backless silk gowns and short strapless styles in bright colours and prints. I also make the odd jacket and pants in a dynamic hue. The silhouettes and prints I use are influenced by my African heritage," says Mutesi.

For her new (soon to be released) collection, Mutesi has created simple and structured pieces from a mix of leather, tulle, lace and ponti.

"My next collection is quite different from the evening wear I usually create. It's basically 'ready to wear'. I have used less prints, instead opting for block and basic colours. My aim with this range is to provide young women with sophisticated and stylish work-wear at an affordable price," explains Mutesi.

As an emerging designer, Mutesi reveals she is finding it difficult to position her brand as a recognised label in the Australian fashion industry. Her inherent passion for designing clothing keeps her persevering for success.

"As a designer, I love being able to express my ideas through clothing. I love that my designs touch and inspire others. I get to express my feelings in every design that I make. I endeavour to create stylish outfits for all occasions. I want to help women define their look. It's important that women buy clothes that accentuate their best features," she says.

Mutesi hopes to expand her brand into the American and European fashion markets, once she has strengthened its presence locally.

To view or purchase Mutesi's designs, visit her website: www.achea-mpong.com.au.