The beauty and craft of the Maasai culture is one that is loved and celebrated not only by East Africans. We have recently seen many designers both local and international draw inspiration from this. Beadwork practiced by the Maasai’s have decorated and made beautiful long before they began to inspire designers and artists around the world. Kangas, Vitenge and Maasai shukas have been part of Tanzanian fashion before ‘African fashion’ became couture. But recently we have seen them emerging on international catwalks and fashion collections.This first jewellery collection from London based fashion brand: Heart 365 Emporium is entitled Uhuru’s Wings: Freedom to Fly. Drawing inspiration from the Maasai culture was a way for founder and designer Jacqueline Kibacha to celebrate the beauty of the country of her origin, Tanzania, and to share with the world that which is from her own. Heart 365 will give back to the Maasai community by donating to the Emusoi Centre, Arusha. The Emusoi Centre is an organisation which finds funds to provide and facilitate opportunities for secondary age Maasai girls both in education and vocationally.
As Tanzania celebrates it’s 50th year of independence in 2011, Jacqueline says
“it was then that I have been reflecting on what freedom means. Is it freedom from, or freedom to? What is the true definition of freedom in a people and a society – is this freedom reflected in the changes and progress of a nation? What causes a person or peoples to find their wings and learn to fly?
As soon as I was introduced to great work that is being done at Emusoi I was excited as even the word Emusoi, its meaning- to doscover, to become aware, to have a realization, to me speaks of Uhuru’s Wings (Uhuru is the Swahili word for Freedom). Wings grow with an awakening and a discovery, through education and knowledge wisdom begins to unfold and eyes open to doors and opportunities and ideas. And as the wings grow the ability to use those wings also grows, with experience practice and support… comes the flight to Freedom….” (Jacqueline Kibacha)
Uhuru’s Wings: Freedom to Fly debuted in Soho, London end of 2011 at the charity event by UK charity Comic Relief called: See Africa Differently. The full collection will be launched during London Fashion Week February 2012. Visit www.heart365.co.ukfor a preview.For more information contact:
Email: info@heart365.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Heart365.co.uk
Twitter: @AfroBohoBling
These pieces have absolutely blown me away: the colours, the textures and – of course – the hugely powerful message behind them. I am going to follow this Jacqueline Kibacha!!
thanks Christie and Kemi for your comments. Jacquelines jewelry is absolutely beautiful and one we just had to mention. Glad you like it!
Team AFG
Whilst wearing this necklace, I felt everything Jacqueline has expressed. Freedom and Power. The Uhuru’s Wings enables you to fly away, giving you a sense that anything is possible.
I was privileged to attend the LFW catwalk event and I have to say – Heart 365 blew me away! Such attention to detail, such sophistication, beauty – This line caters for every occasion, every emotion, every style… I cant wait to see them out there, selling… Jacqueline Kibacha is definitely an icon in the making!