Disrupting Narratives & Creating Communities In Style

African Designer Profile: Mustafa Hassan Ali

Doctor turned designer Mustafa Hassan Ali has come a long way in his career in South Africa. Even from his beginnings as a medical school student, he was always designing clothes for companions as a hobby. This is how he was found by “Miss Tanzania” who asked him to design a dress for her. She went on to win the title and ran back to Ali for more dresses. Having completed six years in the fashion industry as a career, he’s beginning to make a name for himself in fashion weeks and markets abroad. His collections and style stray from the designers who are inspired by the season, and instead focus on celebrating 50 years of Tanzanian history in his designs. He says that it’s what you do differently from everyone else that makes you stand out. Right on, Mustafa, keep your unique collections full of inspiration coming!