FASHION FEATURE
The simplest answer is that my eyes get hungry. I carry a notebook with me because ideas can happen anywhere. I am constantly taking photographs, collecting fabrics, and making notes. I watch films, listen to music, and pay attention to architecture, art, and travel. I enjoy conversations and observing people. Nature has always been a huge source of inspiration, as have my daughter and the experiences we share.
Weather also plays an important role in the way I think about design. Living in Mozambique means living with the rhythm of the seasons. The heat, the ocean breeze, and the changing landscapes naturally influence the way people live and dress. I love creating pieces that feel effortless and comfortable while still making the wearer feel confident and elegant.
For me, a collection always begins with a story. Sometimes it reflects my own experiences. Other times it is inspired by a place, a journey, or a particular emotion that I want to share. I gather ideas over time until, eventually, there is a moment when everything starts to connect. That is when the designing begins.
I often say that I do not simply design clothes. I design stories and emotions from the life I see through my own eyes. The process matters as much as the final piece. That philosophy became the foundation of Mina.
BUILDING MINA, ONE STORY AT A TIME I launched Mina during the uncertainty of the pandemic. For many people, that was a time to pause, but I realised that creating is simply part of who I am. I could not imagine doing anything else. Of course, every business needs to be sustainable and commercially viable, but at its heart Mina was created because I wanted to continue telling stories through fashion.
From the beginning, I wanted Mina to be proudly Mozambican. I wanted to create a contemporary brand that celebrated local craftsmanship while also speaking to an international audience. There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing an idea come to life right in front of you, especially when it is shaped by local skill and shared with people beyond your own borders.
Sustainability is another important part of Mina’ s identity. It has become a popular word within fashion, but to me it is about much more than
SA FASHION CALENDAR
August 2026: Women’ s Month Fashion Campaigns and Designer Launches
September 2026: Summer Collection Media Previews and Retail Launches
12 – 17 October 2026: The Week of Fashion South Africa( SS27 Collections)
28 October 2026: African Fashion Forum( AFF)
28 Oct – 1 Nov 2026: FAME Week Africa( includes fashion programming)
November 2026: Resort and Holiday Collections Launches
December 2026: Festive Fashion Campaigns and Summer Retail Activations
trends. Sustainability means intention. It means being conscious of the choices we make and respecting the environment and the people around us. It means creating pieces that are designed to last, and building a business that can grow responsibly while supporting local skills and craftsmanship.
CELEBRATING MOZAMBIQUE THROUGH DESIGN Building a fashion brand in Mozambique has certainly had its challenges. I started my career at a young age and have learnt many lessons along the way. However, I believe that every worthwhile journey comes with obstacles. Challenges encourage us to adapt, think creatively, and find new solutions.
I also think there are many misconceptions about African fashion. Africa is incredibly diverse and culturally rich. As designers, we have the opportunity to celebrate our own experiences while contributing to a much larger global conversation.
As a designer, I have the privilege of translating those observations into something people can wear. If Mina has a purpose, I hope it is to tell contemporary Mozambican stories while making people feel beautiful, confident, connected, and free.
IB
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