Hanifa Clothing is a Black-owned brand launched in 2012 that, by dedicating its designs to women of color and figures passed the standard sample size, took the fashion industry by storm. Anifa Mvuemba, who is of Congolese descent but Maryland-based, is the brand’s founder and designer. Mvuemba launched Hanifa after dropping out of her fashion program at Morgan State University. After creating a dress for her 21st birthday party, Anifa’s followers and friends began requesting custom pieces. This moment was the catalyst to her pursuing fashion design full-time.
The brand’s first significant milestone was when R&B singer Fantasia wore a collection piece for her live performance at the 2016 BET Experience. Since then, Hanifa designs have been spotted on many celebrities, including Ciara, Lizzo, Cardi B, and Tracee Ellis Ross. Zendaya recently sported the ribbed Kinshasa Backless Mini Dress, which features a tritone palette taken from the Congolese flag, on the cover of InStyle‘s September 2020 issue.
Mvuemba revolutionized the fashion industry when she hosted a virtual 3-D runway show in response to the limitations and impact of COVID-19. Garments appeared in 3-D against a Black backdrop, worn by invisible avatars strutting on a catwalk. The show was streamed on Instagram Live to Hanifa’s 250,000 followers and went viral on Twitter with over 300,000 retweets. The presentation unveiled her spring collection Pink Label Congo, inspired by her homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Pink Label Congo featured sexy and sophisticated pieces created to empower women to feel like their best and most powerful selves.
Per its website, “Inspired by a woman’s journey to a life without limits, Hanifa was created. Utilizing captivating designs, bold colors, and unique textures, our feminine designs illuminate natural curves.” Mvuemba’s emphasis on designing for Black women is reflected in her diverse Instagram profile, which is filled with Black women of various shapes and sizes. Hanifa’s newest line, RESORT, launched in September 2020 is comprised of vibrant pieces that will let customers “vacation where you are.” The line offers an array of swimsuits alongside stunning blazer and pant sets.
“When life is uncertain, cherish what is. The ocean will always have its place. Darkness is forgotten in the sun’s presence. Sand and shore forever coexist. Simplicity is desire. Elegance is the goal—vacation where you are in Hanifa Resort.” Anifa Mvuemba has demonstrated her potential as a groundbreaking designer in the fashion industry that champions the deliberate inclusion of women of color on the runway and beyond.
Corinne Dorsey is a DC-based freelance writer and journalist, currently studying journalism at Howard University. Most of her work focuses on black womanhood, social issues, culture, and music.
