A young, female Cameroonian creative mind has arrived in the fashion world. 23-year old Audrey NM has launched her own clothing-line called Uzuri Couture. Beautiful Beginnings, her first collection which was launched in summer 2011 at Cameroon’s Independence celebration, is a combination of African wax and European styles, sometimes referred to as Afro chic.
Less than a year from the exposure of that collection, this Dutch based International Business graduate has won the Dutch Music & Fashion Battle in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and her collection is about to be launched in Paris, France. We caught up with Audrey NM shortly after the Battle.
Picture: Audrey NM with models wearing her collection Uzuri Couture after her victory at the Music and Fashion Battle in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Audrey NM standing in the middle wearing green printed dress.
"I’d describe my designs as casual chic"
Audrey NM says her love for fashion started at the age of two. As a teenager she cultivated a style she describes as casual chic, preppy, rock-ish, but yet glamorous. Her work is European styled with traditional African print, described by the judges of the Music & Fashion battle as trendy and elegant.
"My work reflects something African and European"
Though Audrey studied International Business and languages, she always felt fashion was what she ought to be doing. An internship in Paris was all the confirmation she needed.
She draws her inspiration from African textiles and European designs. "I am originally from Cameroon, but having grown up in Europe my work reflects two styles, Western and African. Every country in Africa has its own colours in African print. I like to mix these up to create variety in my collection. My culture also plays a big role in my designs. We have so many possibilities in Africa and just showing them in the clothing is not even one tenth of what I want to be doing in the near future." 
"This ‘ethnic’ style is our lifestyle"
"I feel proud, too, that Africa is represented in fashion in the way it is presented in African-inspired western designs. A few of my favourite African designers are: Cote Minou, Christie Brown, Adama Paris, and Jewel by Lisa. What we as designers have in common is that we are all using African fabric but each with their own twist, and that’s something I love. Critics say this ‘ethnic’ style is merely a fad, but to us Africans it’s a lifestyle and it defines who we are."
"…different from western design"
"I believe what makes contemporary African fashion design different from western design, beside the type of print, is that we incorporate our culture and tradition into what we do: different shapes and [types of] models, accessories, even our music. These elements give new perspective to our fashion which people evidently love."
"The way forward is a specialist boutique"
Little by little, designs like mine are gaining a foothold in mainstream departments and it is beautiful to see that our craft is being acknowledged. But I know a lot of current and upcoming designers who would rather be sold in specialist boutiques or even have our own store. For me, the way forward is a specialist boutique, because it makes a brand unique and much more personal for the customer."
"There can't be enough African designers. I say keep 'em coming?"
Besides the ones I mentioned, other young African designers people should check out are David Tlale, Bridget Awosika, Imane Ayissi and Korto Momolu. These designers show that Africans can also operate on the field of luxury products and they prove that there is place for us across the spectrum of the fashion industry, with and without using African print. The sky is our limit and by God's grace we will continue to give Africa a greater presence on the map."
Audrey has more projects in the works, and we think you should definitely keep an eye on this smart, talented young lady.
More of Uzuri Couture’s collection can be found on Facebook.
