Mille Collines

MILLE COLLINES is run by a designer duo from Barcelona, Spain: Marc Oliver and Ines Cuatrecasas.

The label’s story:

The Mille Collines journey originated in Barcelona in the heart of an impassioned young girl, Ines Cuatrecasas.

She yearned to explore new opportunities and engage in something creative and adventurous.

In the summer of 2005, Cuatrecasas and her mother travelled to Rwanda. While exploring the country, she met a dressmaker named Antoinette who would change the course of her life.

Meanwhile, her long-time friend Marc Oliver was back home in Spain creating his own imaginary world through shapes, proportions, pen and paper, and an insatiable desire to reimagine the world he saw before him.

In 2009, the duo travelled to Rwanda to develop their first collection with Antoinette.

A year later, Mille Collines was born. Today, Mille Collines blends the creativity, strength and culture of the African spirit with ever evolving global trends.

Describe your brand’s style?

Mille Collines is focused in creating timeless, globally revered fashion that expresses the true essence of Africa’s creativity, strength and culture.

What is the most difficult aspect of running your label?

That moment where there is a clash between creative processes and managing a company.

What do you think of initiatives such as Buy Local and Wear SA?

I think they are really powerful and relatable, absolutely necessary. The consumer has to understand that so much has evolved in terms of design and quality in the country, they need to break with old ideas of cheap quality, lack of design and modernity.

Tell us about your latest collection?

This collection is the first one we are launching on a South African platform since we moved here. We are very excited.

What is your motto?

Africa first.