Weaving stories into fashion
Three Black Muslim fashion designers share how their faith, heritage and family inspire their creative work
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This Black History Month we’re celebrating three of London’s most exciting Black Muslim fashion designers whose work is deeply rooted in their cultural ties to the Caribbean or Africa.
Sauda Husna Imam is a multidisciplinary artist and designer specialising in print and woven fabrics. Her designs reflect the vibrant, colourful nature of her hometown, Kano, in Nigeria.
Deborah Latouche, creative director and founder of modest wear label Sabirah, draws from her St Lucian and Dominican heritage and her faith to create elegant, couture-inspired pieces.
Textile designer Hafza Yusuf is the founder of Hafza Studio. In her Dhaqan collection, Yusuf embraces her Somali roots, incorporating traditional motifs and techniques into contemporary designs that showcase the strength and pride of her background.
Sauda Husna Imam, multidisciplinary artist and designer
“I use my culture to tell stories through my fabrics. Coming from Nigeria, I’ve been exposed to a rich culture with many traditions. Everything I see back home is inspiring, from the architecture to the people, food and fashion. I try to merge my Nigerian, British and Muslim identities into my work, whether it’s dissecting all the shapes and patterns found in the old buildings in Kano, my grandmother’s Fulani heritage, or drawing inspiration from the hustle and bustle of Lagos — I always find a way to bring home into my artwork.”
Deborah Latouche, founder and creative director of Sabirah
“Inspiration comes from everywhere for me, especially nature and people. Recent collections have been inspired by Black women, celebrating them in an empowering way. My latest collection was inspired by a difficult family experience that brought our community together in love and unity. This stayed with me, and I wanted to reflect it in my designs. Our house was filled with flowers and it reminded me of Monet’s gardens, so I was inspired to use floral patterns and fresh colours, like light rose, mint and cream, to capture that vibrancy. My use of colour is also shaped from my Caribbean heritage and many holidays back home.”
Hafza Yusuf, textile designer, art educator and founder of Hafza Studio
“My culture, heritage and community inspire me, and it’s important to me that my work resonates with both myself and those around me. I celebrate our culture through textiles, by taking inspiration from the bold colours and intricate patterns of Somali fabrics and bringing them back in contemporary styles. My latest Dhaqan collection, which means culture in Somali, is about storytelling and celebrating a passionate, resilient community. Art allows me to uplift and honour my people. I hope to be a role model for Muslim artists, staying authentic while creating space for us.”
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