Modelled on Miriam
Though she died more than a decade ago, Miriam Makeba continues to inspire popular culture. London-based designer Duro Olowu used her as his muse for his autumn/winter 2019 collection, which was shown at London Fashion Week in February.
Olowu remembers hearing Makeba’s voice on the radio as a child growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, and when his parents played her records back home.
“I met her once as a child, in a Lagos department store called Kingsway in 1977.
“She was in town to perform at the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture.
“It was an amazing festival and an incredible coming together in Lagos of black artists, singers, performers, writers, musicians and international personalities.”
“My mother noticed her first and, when she saw my reaction (shy but excited), she made me go over and politely say hello.
“I can’t quite remember what Miriam said to me. I was transfixed by her beauty and her smile. She autographed a new pocket diary, which I had just picked up from my father’s office around the corner.
“She was charming and seductive — beautifully dressed, with beads dangling from her braided hair. A vision.” Explaining why he used her as an inspiration for his collection, he says: “Miriam was a hugely respected and revered singer and freedom fighter. In a world sadly filled with mediocrity, fear and fly-by-night celebrity, it is important to remember icons of politics, culture and style like her.”
The designer believes history and fashion are intrinsically linked. “You cannot underestimate fashion as a record of some of the greatest moments in history, both good and bad.”
Mama Africa would have turned 87 tomorrow.