Doreen Mashika is a designer who fuses traditional African print and technique with contemporary Western style to create unique cosmopolitan pieces. Born and raised in Tanzania, she studied and worked in Switzerland, and is now part of a growing homeward bound African diaspora. While in Switzerland she began a career in the financial industry, specializing in luxury goods fund management. This is where she had her first contact with the fashion industry and designers, providing her a unique insight and appreciation of the sector.
Inspired by a deep sense of affection for the cultural heritage and wealth of design possibilities in Africa, she returned to Tanzania and settled in Zanzibar to pursue her passion of design while building a successful company. Doreen uses kanga, kitenge and canvas to create Afro-vintage accessories including shoes and hand bags. “Shoes permit me a greater display of the unconventional use of exotic and traditional signature materials and prints, perhaps not seen anywhere else, and especially particular to the Tanzanian culture.”
Her exciting range also includes silver and gold jewellery and a broad range of accessories such as hand bags and belts. Some pieces incorporate semiprecious gemstones, wood, animal horn and Maasai beads in their design. Already available via mail order to mainland Tanzania and on location in Europe and the United States, the imminent opening of her boutique in Hurumzi promises Zanzibar will see a lot more of Doreen Mashika and her exclusive designs.
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