Feel Good Fashion : UMOJA Collections

Who doesn’t love feel good fashion? The pieces you own that you know are supporting a cause close to your heart.  I admit, there are times I get so caught up in how to capture a trend , I never think about the person (s) who took the time to literally stitch the seams together. The fashion industry is global more so now than ever. I appreciate and am willing to save a few extra dollars to purchase clothing and accessories from brands trying to make a difference in the world. Individuals in the fashion industry have the ability to influence, as well as give people jobs. Victoria Hughes , founder of UMOJA is focused on just that , and they offer super cute pieces, ready to be  shipped over seas! Shop for a cause , shop UMOJA!

HH: What is the story behind the line UMOJA. How did Tanzania influence the creation of Umoja?

VH: In 2010 as third year Fashion design student I visited and volunteered in the little village of Moshi. Under the unbearable heat of the sun women of all ages edged the streets with their sewing machines trying to scrape together a living using their dress making skills.

This is where the idea/concept for UMOJA sparked, Tanzania 2010. Ideas began to fly and the concept of creating stable employment for some of these skilled women linked quickly with the dream of creating a new fashion label with a conscience.

Mixing an everlasting love for fashion and a new found love for the breathtaking country of Tanzania and its people UMOJA started to take form.

HH: Why did you choose the name UMOJA?

VH: The name was one of the first things put in place, UMOJA. The adjective MOJA translates to ONE, linking with the fact UMOJA translates to UNITY. Oneness, harmony, alliance and association are words that also link very closely to the noun UMOJA. I felt this name worked well as my main dream is to link high fashion with an impoverished community within Africa.

HH: What do you hope to bring to the global fashion industry?

VH: I believe that teaching a skill in these impoverished communities can have an effect on their development for the foreseeable future and further. With families having employment it heightens the chances of their children going to school therefore will have a knock on effect for the next generations future.

I however still have in the forefront of my mind that UMOJA is a fashion label selling to first world countries. UMOJA is not only based on ethical products therefore will not display a stereotypical hand crafted style. UMOJA also has an aim to be fashion lead and create fabulous collections for fashion focused people.

UMOJA produces high quality clothes, made in Africa hoping to help towards breaking the cycle of poverty.

HH: What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?

VH: The most important things in my opinion are firstly the quality of the fabric, ensuring it will wash and wear well. Secondly the finishes as I believe this makes and interesting product and thirdly the quality of manufacture.  

HH: What advice would you give aspiring designers with global interest?

VH: The most important thing I would say is to follow your own dreams, to ensure you really believe in your product and you love your concept. To take ideas from around the world and to research research research as you can never know enough.