People in Africa have massive money: Tanzanian designer

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GURGAON - Tanzanian designer Mustafa Hassanali says the African fashion industry needs to take a leaf out of the book of Indian stylists and make a mark internationally to clear a lot of misconceptions about the continent. In love with Bollywood, he also wants to dress up Aishwarya Rai some day.

“We have abundant talent in our country and we have already proved ourself there. Now, is the time to move beyond boundaries and make a mark internationally. It is very important for growth and recognition,” Hassanali told IANS in an interview during his maiden visit to India.

“Fifteen years ago, the fashion industry in India was at a nascent stage but Indian designers like Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Arora started showcasing at international fashion weeks. Their work was appreciated and people started recognising Indian talent. The same thing applies to us as well. It’s time to move forward.”

Hassanali, 29, is participating in the inaugural Oxybleach India International Fashion Week (OIIFW) in Gurgaon that concluded Saturday. This three-day event brought together designers from various countries like the US, Tanzania, Pakistan, Spain, Israel, Norway, China, Romania, United Arab Emirates, Australia and, of course, India.

“It is a good opportunity for every designer participating in this event. This has given us exposure to the Indian audience and also we can take back a lot of inspirational things from here,” Hassanali explained.

Hassanali launched his lable Mustafa Hassanali in 2006 and according to him people have many misconceptions when it comes to Africa and he hopes to clear them all.

“I don’t want people to look at Africa as a dark continent. We have a rich cultural heritage. Yes, we have poverty but don’t you have slums in India? You can’t have an economy without poor people. People in Africa have massive money. The amount they spend on marriage clothes or functions is huge,” he explained to IANS.

A doctor-turned-fashion designer Hassanali also pointed to another factor that deters the fashion scene in Tanzania.

“Forget about getting a fashion degree in Tanzania, we don’t even have a fashion school. I have learnt everything on my own because I was passionate about fashion ever since my childhood days. This is a major drawback in chasing fashion dreams in my country,” said Hassanali, who is the organiser of Swahili Fashion Week in Tanzania.

Though Hassanali has no Indian connection, he manages to talk in Hindi, though not frequently. Asked how he manages that, Hassanali said: “All thanks to Bollywood.

“I am a big Bollywood fan and it is from there that I learnt the basics and hence I started liking the language and here I am communicating with you in Hindi.”

“Even though I have not watched any Bollywood movie for the past six months, I can easily say Shah Rukh Khan is my favourite actor. He is just too good,” he added.

He also has a secret wish of dressing up Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai and is confident that he will do it one fine day.

“I wanted to design for princess Diana. She is no more now. But now I want to design for Aishwarya. She is so so beautiful and I am sure I will do that one day,” Hassanali concluded.

How does he describe African fashion?

“If I have to describe African fashion I would just say three words - colour, creativity and craziness. We people are crazy about colours and use a lot of bold colours with a dash of bling in it,” explained Hassanali.

Hassanali is planning to make the most of this event as he has plans to visit Agra, Jodhpur and Jaipur.

“You just can’t miss Agra, if you are in Delhi. So it is a must see on my list. After that I have heard a lot about Jaipur so I would be going there as well,” he said.

And what all will he take back from India? “Oh! loads of love from all of you and beads, sequins and whatever I get my hands on,” Hassanali said smilingly.

(Shilpa Raina can be contacted at shilpa.r@ians.in)