Lynne Kayenne Studio's debut collection is inspired by the colors of the Earth seen from space.
Lynne Kayenne Studio's debut collection is inspired by the colors of the Earth seen from space.
Ubwino Phikira
Malawian designer Linda Khumbanyiwa was "mesmerized by the beauty" of the Earth's color palette -- particularly its blue and yellow hues.
Malawian designer Linda Khumbanyiwa was "mesmerized by the beauty" of the Earth's color palette -- particularly its blue and yellow hues.
Ubwino Phikira
Before becoming a designer, Khumbanyiwa was once a model and blogger. This Norma jumpsuit is the bestselling piece in the collection.
Before becoming a designer, Khumbanyiwa was once a model and blogger. This Norma jumpsuit is the bestselling piece in the collection.
Ubwino Phikira
"I didn't set out to start a business. I said to myself, 'What do I love and what have I done in my life that I can contribute to my country?' says Khumbanyiwa. "I'm going to utilize everything I've learned and I'm going to curate this brand that's going to showcase culture (and) heritage, and we're going to be proud of Malawi."
"I didn't set out to start a business. I said to myself, 'What do I love and what have I done in my life that I can contribute to my country?' says Khumbanyiwa. "I'm going to utilize everything I've learned and I'm going to curate this brand that's going to showcase culture (and) heritage, and we're going to be proud of Malawi."
Ubwino Phikira
She used traditional chitenge fabric to celebrate and represent Malawi's culture.
She used traditional chitenge fabric to celebrate and represent Malawi's culture.
Ubwino Phikira
"Everything is locally sourced as we're trying to empower the community while minimizing our footprint," says Khumbanyiwa.
"Everything is locally sourced as we're trying to empower the community while minimizing our footprint," says Khumbanyiwa.
Ubwino Phikira
"We collaborate with tailors, talented artisans who create our handmade garments and accessories," she says. "We buy materials from local women and they're proud of the fact that they work with us."
"We collaborate with tailors, talented artisans who create our handmade garments and accessories," she says. "We buy materials from local women and they're proud of the fact that they work with us."
Ubwino Phikira
"I'm trying to share the feeling of Africa with people," says Khumbanyiwa. "I want to create a narrative that is created by a Malawian girl. This is my story. My tribe is Yao, and I'm proud. The patterns are reflective of that, but the designs are very tailored and they're classic, and I think they're universal."
"I'm trying to share the feeling of Africa with people," says Khumbanyiwa. "I want to create a narrative that is created by a Malawian girl. This is my story. My tribe is Yao, and I'm proud. The patterns are reflective of that, but the designs are very tailored and they're classic, and I think they're universal."
Ubwino Phikira