When Anifa Mvuemba designs clothing, fashion has no boundaries. Mvuemba, the designer and founder of Hanifa, created a global luxury brand that embodies the physical manifestation of a woman without limits.
The brand is famous among consumers who desire a chic, sophisticated look that accentuates their silhouettes. Whether the goal is to show up to work as a “corporate baddie” or be the center of attention for a girls night out, wearing a Hanifa design will turn heads.
The designer emerged into the bridal industry recently with the launch of her bridal collection in October 2023. Ahead of its official release, Mvuemba hosted a fashion show and invited hundreds of guests for an exclusive viewing of her pieces. Models strutted the runway, showcasing bridal wear that one wouldn’t normally expect to see at a wedding. Known for her bold spins on clothing, the looks featured feathers, skin tone mesh, corsets and other distinct characteristics. Although she did maintain some classic shapes, Hanifa included some high slits and low cuts.
The dynamic and intricate detailing of Hanifa Bridal is simply an extension of her initial collection. In 2012, Mvuemba launched the Hanifa brand with the goal of increasing representation in the fashion industry for women with curvier bodies. As a Black woman with curves, she knew firsthand the struggles many Black women faced when shopping for form-fitting and comfortable pieces.
She is intentional about designing pieces with Black women in the forefront. It’s a key factor that separates Hanifa from other global luxury brands. Mvuemba designs clothing for women of color, especially Black women. In return, Black women and women of color gravitate towards the fashion brand. They support the bold, fierce striking designs explicitly made uniquely for them.