Africa Meets Japan ... via the KIMONO

The Japanese Kimono is usually known for its silky texture, but not so that with the African twist.

Serge Mouangue from Cameroon made a bold statement when he came out with his WAFRICA fashion brand. He blends the traditional kimono with the classic African cotton fabric which he sources from all over Africa. There are presently 18 prints in total which he uses to produce his creations in this unprecedented venture. It has created quite a buzz in Japan, with people being drawn to this extraordinary interpretation of the kimono.


The idea behind Wafrica was born earlier this year in a bid by Mouangue to fuse the two cultures and what better way than making use of the kimono; one of Japan's foremost symbols.

However, Mouangue stresses that Wafrica will not only be restricted to the kimono. He intends to explore other aspects of the Japanese culture which will reflect in his future designs.

Hear him

"I am hoping to expand this to include other aspects of Japanese culture," says Mouangue. "This is just the start. It is about finding a third aesthetic. Telling a familiar story a different way. The end result? It's about hope, and it's about the future."

Mouangue was born in Cameroon some 35 years ago, grew up in Paris and now resides in Japan with his wife and two children.

To learn more about this innovative designer from Kamer, make sure you pay his website a visit.