Kunjina Tesfaye

Photo Courtesy Of Kunjina Tesfaye

WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?

Even though I was born in a different city, I have lived in Addis Ababa for most of my life; it’s where I finished my elementary, high school and college education. Addis Ababa is where I have my family and friends. It's a place I can call home.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND BROUGHT UP?

My parents have been in Addis Ababa, that’s even where they met! But, my father’s work requested our family to move to Bahir Dar, a city in Ethiopia and that was where I was born. Two years later, we moved back to Addis Ababa and we haven’t moved ever since.

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR PRESENT CITY OR HOMETOWN?

Being one of the fastest growing cities in Africa, Addis Ababa is slowly morphing into a vibrant hub of art and design. Add to that a growing social life in the city. My personality leans on the extroverted side so I enjoy the growing social life. Since most of my family and friends are here, I also enjoy spending quality time with them.

WHAT WERE YOUR ASPIRATIONS GROWING UP?

I’ve always aspired to become a fashion designer. Everyone who knows me knows this. But I am realizing nowadays that one does not simply become a fashion designer. It is a constant process. My aspiration therefore is to constantly become a fashion designer that keeps pushing their limits. 

WHY DESIGNER?

It was a childhood passion, I fell in love with fashion when I started playing around in my mother’s closet. I used to drape her extra- large clothes on myself and present a fashion show for the family over the weekends. My passion grew stronger with age and I knew I had to change my passion to a career. Designing gives me the chance to empower my customers and support the local economy by creating job opportunities.

WHERE DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR TRAINING?

I first took a short course at Wossi International Fashion Institute while i was a fourth year student in college. Then I joined African Mosaique Fashion Incubator program followed by Mitreeki Fashion Incubator Programme. 

WHAT'S YOUR PROCESS FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION?

First it starts from an idea. An idea based on my personal experience and what I think is worth sharing. This idea will then be clarified on a mood board which is going to guide the illustrations and the whole theme of the collection. Based on the illustrations, we start making the patterns and then proceed to garment sampling. Finally, when all the samples are approved we start the production using the main fabric.

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?

I usually get inspired from my personal experiences. My inspiration is a reflection of what I have been going through. And in some way I hope people will relate to it and find that connection with the pieces from the collection.

WHO OR WHAT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOU? 

“When you really want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it’’. This quote from “The Alchemist’’ has stuck with me throughout my existence and has invigorated my faith and determination, regardless of any obstacle.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOUR PERSONAL AESTHETIC?

I believe in sophisticated simplicity, where intentional formation of unique details breeds distinctiveness to each piece. I like working with monochromatic colors to create an aesthetic that is simple yet bold and compelling. My personal go-to wardrobe assemblage is usually comfortably chic. Although I value simplicity, I always seek subtle, unique details to elevate each look.

WHAT MOMENT ARE YOU HAVING?

I feel like I am yet to explore the different avenues of my growth in my career as a fashion designer. While I am curiously exploring, I still feel like there could be more; a more advanced fashion industry, more opportunities at fashion design residencies.

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WORKING?

A restful morning, a lazy day with the family or out and about with friends.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND?

I unwind by taking time for myself. My participation for the one month residency in Tafaria Castle, Kenya, showed me how important it is to spend time by myself. I use journaling as a tool to realign myself.