Noni takes after her mother: An established engineer in the otherwise male dominated industry, Mam’Sangweni is also an acclaimed fashion designer and heads African Insignia – her own design brand based in one of Johannesburg’s cultural hubs – Newtown. It was here, in the design studio, where Noni developed her love for fashion & design and here where she began to conceptualise her own brand, Bahari.
Bahari is a Swahili word that describes the ‘ocean’ or ‘sea’. Following this relationship with nature, clean & simple lines interact with the female form to create functional items worth considering for your next summer adventure. A focus on natural prints and african orientated designs & patterns create a fun yet understated elegance to the range. Finally, Bahari is also a tribute to her grandfather whom spent years exiled in Tanzania.
Noni used her unique look and experience as a model and chose to be part of the Bahari catalogue alongside fellow model and friend, Wadeisor Rukato. Photographer Dwain Hubbard and make-up artist Kimberley Lever joined the team to create visuals that accurately & beautifully capture Bahari’s true essence. Noni notes the challenges of creating swimwear and this line particularly. “… [in] Swimwear, designers works within strict parameters and with limited fabric – we are still expected to create work a final product that is bold and inspiring …”
African Insignia, together with a few online outlets and boutiques, will host Bahari’s maiden range – set to hit the local market in October this year. You can check out the range on Noni’s own blog site
Great job!!love it!!!!!!