EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH KENYAN FASHION DESIGNER: MAHAMED BANA

Mohamed Bana is a fast growing name in east and central African fashion industry, he is the owner of a fashion brand DALIYAH DESIGNS. His designs are the touches of African,European and even Indian tastes. That is not enough since even at Swahili fashion week 2012 in December his designs had something to appeal fashionistas, so I had to find this Kenyan fashion designer and asked some questions about his career. Below is the interview and some of his designs.

SWP:Hi !can you tell your fans a little about your age and when did you start your fashion designing career?

MOHAMED:Hi! my name is Mohamed Bana and am 27 years.well I started fashion very long time ago since childhood I loved fashion,I started by styling my mom and my sister but professionally I started off in 2007 when I registered my company DALIYAH DESIGNS

SWP:How do you view east African fashion industry in recent years?

MOHAMED:East African fashion industry is rapidly growing and making history,Africa is a volcano of talents which was just waiting to erupt.

SWP:What are your views on Swahili fashion week 2012 as a participated designer?

MOHAMED:Swahili Fashion Week is a huge platform for designers in Africa.I enjoyed every moment for being part of Swahili Fashion Week 2012.I got lots of exposure,got to meet my fellow designers from all over Africa and adopt new ideas.

SWP:Does Kenyan government support the Kenyan fashion industry and if yes or no how?

MOHAMED:Kenya has gone to the next level in terms of fashion, growing so fast due to support from the government. the Government has made efforts to boost production of cotton,introduce fashion courses in university level and even support several fashion events.

SWP: Which Tanzanian designer and east African designer you love their work most?.

MOHAMED:Well I loved all of designers' work,everyone was unique. yes I loved Suhaa Schmits line very modern and practical clothes.

SWP:Which country in east Africa has the best models you would like to work with?.

MOHAMED:Well, I don't think there is any country which is specialized in producing quality models.I have worked with selected models from all over Africa and they are all good at their work.

SWP:Any benefits you have got since you became a fashion designer and what are the challenges?.

MOHAMED:There are lots of benefits being a fashion designer but there are also lots of challenges,the market is flooded with cheap finished clothes though there are those who believe in quality garments and don't mind to pay the price.

SWP:where to see your brand in five years to come?

MOHAMED:I am definitely going international, working with selected boutiques which will stock my outfits in Newyork, Miami,London and some countries in Africa.hopefully will be having my own showroom in Nairobi, Kenya too.

Here is Mohamed Bana. We wish him best of luck in his career