About the brand: If you consider yourself apart of the in-the-know fashion crowd, then you’re no stranger to Anifa Mvuemba. Since she launched her namesake label, Hanifa, she’s distinguishing the brand from the luxury industry from the jump, by championing a size-inclusive offering that reimagines staples through deconstruction, color, and texture. Her unique distinctive take on design has has translated into a desire to design bridalwear, which was debuted just last month.
For those who are unfamiliar with your work, how did you come to work in fashion? And what drew you to the design aspect of the industry?
I was drawn to fashion at a young age. As a child, I remember watching my mom get dressed for work in the mornings and waiting to raid her closet. She was my introduction to style, and I took inspiration from her well-tailored suits that later inspired some Hanifa pieces. Although I never went to design school, I embraced the fashion all around me and started working through my passion to build a brand that reflects that.
You founded Hanifa in 2012—what compelled you to start a brand? And how do you feel the brand has evolved over the years?
While working in retail and learning the business of fashion, I was compelled to start my brand for what I felt was missing at the time: bold, sophisticated silhouettes for women of all sizes. Naturally, we’ve evolved as I evolve. When I started Hanifa, I was in my twenties and in need of a birthday dress; today, I’m a mom, a fiancè, a Creative Director, and a CEO. It’s fitting that Hanifa Bridal launched while I am a Bride-to-be myself. Over the years, I’ve challenged myself to reach for more while embracing the ongoing life changes. I’m always thinking about new ways to connect with the Hanifa woman by first connecting with myself.
Speaking of evolution, you decided to make a foray into the bridal space earlier this year—what compelled you to launch a bridal collection? And what do you feel the brand brings to the space that might have been missing before?
Launching Hanifa Bridal has truly been a full-circle moment. My brand began by taking custom orders and making some bridal looks for clients, and I have been looking forward to the moment when I could produce an entire collection. This collection represents the culmination of my years of experience in curation, attention to detail, and exploration of the theme of love. I feel that Hanifa Bridal brings self-love to the space, emphasizing the importance of self-worth before marriage and drawing inspiration from the bride of Christ as a symbol of devotion and grace.
We’ve seen the largest cultural shift around how weddings are perceived and planned in the past few years—what do you feel has contributed to that change? And how, if at all, do you feel the brand is helping contribute to that change?
I feel that this generation of brides doesn’t want to be boxed in within any facet of their lives. They want their day to truly be “their” day, in the purest form of what makes them feel beautiful and serene. As a brand that encourages our customers to envision their highest, most authentic selves, I like to think that we’re leaders in the space of helping women to feel seen. And I also think that’s the reason for the shift: women valuing themselves above all.