This Self-Taught Powerhouse Is The Visionary Behind Hanifa Clothing
When I was growing up in the South in the mid 90s, I dreamed of a day when I would see melinated women on the glossy covers. A fashion world that circulated about the diverse, beautiful and dynamic tones that saturate the real world. Somewhere else in the world there was a little girl thinking the same thing, but with the talent and the vision to make a change. That girl is Anifa Mvuemba, the self-taught powerhouse designer behind the apparel line, Hanifa. In an extremely short period of time, Anifa has taken her designs from the square grids of Instagram to the runways of New York Fashion Week.
It was my pleasure to sit down with her in the midst of a chaotic fashion month to talk about her latest collection, the challenge of overcoming your fear, and how she feels about the ever-changing landscape of the fashion industry. If you're unfamiliar with this designer, then here's your chance to find out.
What’s the most exciting thing (to you) about the fashion industry?
I do like that I'm seeing more inclusion for black people. I do enjoy seeing more shapes and curves on the covers, on TV, and fashion editorial shoots; there wasn't a lot of that before. I love looking at vintage magazines, specifically 1970's - and we are barely on the covers or even in the magazine. It's really cool to see the change.
In 'ESSENCE', you said, “I want people to support and shop Hanifa not because of my image, but because they genuinely love the clothes.” How do you stay true to that mission when personal and professional branding overlap so much?
With how social media is today, a lot of people buy into an individual. People buy into the person. I want to see my brand flourish and see them in high places. I just want people to love the clothes and want them to have a genuine love for the brand.
"I want to see my brand flourish and see them in high places. I just want people to love the clothes and want them to have a genuine love for the brand."
Your newest collection, the Pink Label, is inspired by the captivating colors of tropical islands and the natural bends and dips of a woman. Why was it important for these elements to be represented in your newest collection?
I used to design similar styles to this when I started so I wanted to revisit it. I always started with a woman's body. I admire curves. When I started, I was a size 2/4. Now I'm a size 12 and a lot of stuff doesn't fit me. That's even more of a reason for me to push that for this space; for women who feel unheard.
How do you feel when notable people (Ciara, Kelly Rowland, Cardi B) wear your designs?
It's surreal. A lot of the celebs that have worn my things, I admire them. I scream on the inside. It's really cool and very exciting. I am just very grateful. A lot of the times, it's a genuine connection. I really want whoever wears it to enjoy it.
"I always started with a woman's body. I admire curves. That's even more of a reason for me to push that for this space; for women who feel unheard."
Can you share the process of opening your first store?
I was going through a really difficult time about a year ago. I'm Christian so I wanted to pray and see what the Lord wanted me to do. If you would've asked a month beforehand, I would've said no. Just too much. But after that time, it weighed on my heart to have a store. I didn't know how I would go about it but I wanted to do it. I started researching and going through the process. A month or two later, I was planning a grand opening.
What did this process teach you?
I realized a lot of people want to experience something -- they want the connection with the brand. I think right now, I'm really enjoying meeting and seeing people who like the brand. I also like people seeing the garments in person. It's really cool to see. I don't know where it's going to go but I enjoy it a lot.
"I don't know where it's going to go but I enjoy it a lot."
It sounds like you also had a pretty significant lesson in fear and taking a chance. Can you share some tips on how to overcome fear when pursuing your dreams?
It's very tricky. I would be so anxious anytime I put something out -- I was so nervous to see how the world would receive it. I'm terrified of being criticized or it being ugly. I like to go back in the history of my work and use that as a boost of confidence. I pray a lot as well.
While we’re discussing advice, what advice do you have for emerging designers, specifically black designers?
Stay true to yourself. It's so easy to get sucked in based on what we see on a daily basis. If you want to be a black designer, align your beliefs with what we're creating. It goes hand in hand with staying true to yourself.
"If you want to be a black designer, align your beliefs with what we're creating. It goes hand in hand with staying true to yourself."
What trends are you excited about seeing this fashion month?
I really am loving the mixed prints. I'm definitely going to get more into prints and expressive patterns. On the runway: Unconventional stuff. I love that.
Lastly, what do you want the world to know that maybe you’ve haven’t able to say yet?
Lately, I've been getting a lot of girls that like the brand but are concerned with it (specifically plus size) so I'm currently working on the size range. I'm very interested in the fit and making sure everything fits plus size women better. And I know people want to get to know me, but I want that to happen organically as well.
For more of Hanifa, follow them on Instagram. Check out her new Pink Label collection here.
Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
This post is in partnership with BET+.
Kingdom Business is back for its second season, with even more sermons, songs, and serpents. The series picks up where it left off, with actress Serayah as Rbel caught between the stripper pole and the pulpit. With the first lady of the church working desperately against her, Rbel must find a way to live her dreams and honor her friend while figuring out her faith in the process.
Season one served a collection plate of rivalry, deceit, and revenge –– among many other tribulations. Between the 28-year-old’s acting, conviction, and harmonious voice, here are a few reasons why season two of Kingdom Business is a must-watch.
If the Spirit Doesn’t Move You, Serayah’s Singing Voice Will
Rbel, formally known as Rebecca Belle, is a stripper whose life forcibly takes a turn after suffering a tragedy. Through her quest to find the truth, Rbel finds herself at odds with the head of a local church, First Kingdom’s Denita Jordan, played by the legendary Yolanda Adams. Rbel unknowingly emerges as what a faithful Christian embodies: a perfectly imperfect human who works every day to try their best while leaning on God. Although struggling with her faith, each ballad sung by Rbel can be felt, as the lyrics relate to personal struggles we all endure in different ways. Gospel songs hit differently when your life is in shambles, and chile, Serayah is singing new life into folks.
Serayah is a Formidable Opponent to The Yolanda Adams
As one of the best-selling gospel artists of all time, it’s no easy task to take on the role of a person on the opposing side of greatness. Serayah’s Rbel does an excellent job meeting Jordan at her level while shining through her solos. Throughout season one, Rbel emerges as a top streaming artist, an accomplishment that begets something of a holy war.
Serayah’s Acting Range is Engaging
As a former stripper trying to make a name for herself in the gospel industry, you can imagine the struggles that could come with it. Rbel goes through a range of emotions, all understandable and relatable. Despite several crises of faith, Serayah ensures Rbel delivers a humbling performance that makes the audience root for her redemption.
The Kingdom Business Soundtrack is Everything
Streaming now on Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music, the Kingdom Business: Season 1 soundtrack is one you’d want to add to your playlist for high and low times. Aside from four soul-soothing songs from Serayah, the soundtrack also features singles from co-star/Hamilton’s Chaundre-Hall Broomfield, gospel artist Chandler Moore, and legend Yolanda Adams.
Serayah’s Rbel Makes You Root For Her
With First Kingdom beginning to crumble under the pressure of lies, infidelity, and deception, Rbel’s window to take that top spot seems wide open; however, the end of season one showed us the Spirit had other plans. Whether you believe or not, Serayah’s Rbel makes you want to see her win. Who doesn’t love a good underdog with a laid 22” bust down? Whether she seeks Him or not, God is proving to be on Rbel’s side. But is it enough to turn everything around for her? Will Rbel lean on faith or fear?
With secrets coming to light, success within reach, and the devastating conclusion of season one, you don’t want to miss season two––especially with more guest collaborations. Kingdom Business returns to BET+ on Nov 2.
BET+ Original | Kingdom Business | S2 Official Traileryoutu.be
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Nia Long On Her Final Decision To Leave Ime Udoka: 'Loving Myself Was Bigger And More Important Than Saving Anybody'
Jeezy has been pulling out all the stops for the promo of his new album I Might Forgive…But I Don’t Forget. The iconic rapper tapped legendary actress Nia Long for an intimate conversation about love, trauma, and the Black family. The discussion provided insight into the “All There” rapper’s childhood, strained relationship with his mother, who has since passed, and his career mishaps. He also briefly spoke on his decision to file for divorce from Jeannie Mai, saying that he feels “saddened,” “disappointed,” and “uneasy” about it. However, he believes that God is leading him on a different path.
Throughout the conversation, Nia also opened up about her life experiences, including her relationship with her father, her sons, and her ex-fiancé Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka.
“You know I had a really public breakup recently. It was a wake-up call for me in the sense that, like ok, you’re gonna do this on your own, and you’re gonna be fine, and you’re not gonna worry about what anyone thinks and has to say ‘cause the relationship was rocky for a very long time,” she said. “I don’t believe that another person can break anyone up like, I just don’t buy that.
When Ime was the Boston Celtics head coach, he was caught having an affair with a staffer and was suspended for the 2022-2023 season. This suspension ultimately led to his firing. However, the cheating scandal led to the public rallying behind The Best Man actress, which the mother of two revealed she was “shocked” by.
“I had to realize for myself that anything that happened in the…last year and a half of my life, that shit didn’t have nothing to do with me,” she expressed. “It didn’t have nothing to do with me. I was not embarrassed. The way that Black people stood up for me and the way that Black women were like, ‘Oh no, you don’t do that to her,’ I was shocked because I didn’t realize that what I had done or what I’ve done in my career had so much impact.”
While she did admit that things between her and Ime had been “rocky” for a long time, she was trying her best to make things work. But she soon learned that choosing herself was the best option. “I think my older son saw me trying to keep the family together, but I had to come to a place where loving myself was bigger and more important than saving anybody.”
While time has passed and both parties have seemed to move on with their lives, we all have our down days. Jeezy checked in with Nia to see how she’s truly feeling since the breakup and the scandal that followed. “I think I’m exactly where I need to be, which is some days I’m like totally good, and other days I’m like, oh God, this feels like so much work. And other days, it feels like women shouldn’t have to be this strong,” she said, tearing up. “I don’t want to be this strong sometimes.”
The former couple were together for 13 years and share a 12-year-old son together. Nia also has a 22-year-old son from a previous relationship.
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