Chichia London in search of interns.

Chichia studio is based in London so she's only looking for people that already live in the city.

They are looking for new interns to join their fast growing team. If you're a final year fashion student or recent graduate (or have some fashion experience, can understand garment construction) and is looking to gain some invaluable experience then please send your cv and examples of your work to: kazi@chichialondon.com.

Duties vary from assisting at the studio, running errands, assisting at shoots, updating and keeping up with online social networking, emails etc...

Character: Think-outside-the-box type creativity, enthusiastic, knowledge of garment construction is must (patterns and sewing), initiative, sense of humor, friendly, colourful (!!)

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Chichia London - Arise Magazine Fashion Week 2011

Currently stocked in boutiques throughout the UK and online, Chichia’s extensive press attention in distinguished magazines and independent newspapers have warranted the label a place on the London Fashion Week circuit showcasing in fashion events such as Untold and Fashion Diversity.

Tanzanian-born Christine Mhando launched the label that bears her childhood nickname, Chichia in 2007.

Exhibiting at Swahili Fashion week in 2009 and 2010 consecutively, Chichia has been recognised as an international African designer who modernises and transforms traditional illustrative East African textiles into stylish and considered fashionable attire.

Yesterday, Chichia London unveiled her new collection at the 2011 Arise Magazine Fashion Week held in Lagos. Everything about this new collection screams 'chic.'

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Chichia for Made by Africa

London based Tanzanian designer Chichia brings her blend of signature East African printed fabrics in playful contemporary silhouettes to jersey wear for the first time. In the latest collaboration with concept jersey label Made by Africa, Chichia refreshes everyday basics with a Tanzanian twist. East African knitted organic cottons are blended with locally made traditional printed fabrics that transform and re-modernise jersey essentials.

These illustrative pieces of cloth, known as Khangas, have become a medium for conveying messages. The collection entitled Chuki Ya Nini Sili Cha Mtu draws inspiration from this channel of communication by playfully suggesting to others not to be envious of individuals that express themselves through dress.

Undressed skin is provocatively revealed through seductively short mini skirts and open back detailing. Jersey separates with cut out holes are intricately finished with decorative Khanga detailing to mischievously uncover the layer beneath. Hidden flashes of East African colours and illustrative prints across the chest are exposed through loose jersey strand detailing on bateau neck tee dresses and cinched waist skater dresses.

Tanzanian colours depicting the countries natural elements of land, water and minerals are mirrored in the collections use of graphic repetitive Khanga prints in deep greens, cobalt blues and saffron yellows. Classic black, dark navy and grey marls provide a base for the vivacious prints to thrive. The colour palette of the clothing is then infused and illuminated with accents of vivid yellow to fashion a vibrant yet playful look.

The Made by Africa concept of looking locally will be supported further by the continual donation of 1 USD from every garment sold through this project will go towards supporting education for the SOS Children's Village in Tanzania.

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Be the new face of Chichia London

To celebrate the launch of Chichia London’s new collection Insomnia, Chichia London is offering a unique experience to one of their fans. Designer Christine Mhando is looking for her new Muse. We would like to offer this opportunity up to you.

Could you or a friend be the new face of Chichia London?

To win, all you need to do is

• send your picture
• a blurb about yourself and your style

Send your entries to natashapress@chichialondon.com. The lucky winner will also receive a Chichia London dress.

Closing date - 13th August 2010

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Christine Mhando of Chichia

The ladieswear brand Chichia London was established in 2007 by London based designer Christine Mhando. Each of our collections consist of an eclectic range of dresses and separates in modern, wearable shapes and styles made unique by clever use of eye-catching prints, embellishment, intricate detailing, a mix of natural fabrics and a succulent colour palette. The use of colour plays a major part in each line! Our trick is balancing between keeping things fresh and new without being too trend driven, therefore making each piece timeless.

We aim for the wearer to feel special and unique yet comfortable everytime she is wearing a Chichia London garment. Christine’s fashion career began at the London College of Fashion where she studied BTEC and higher national diplomas in Fashion design and then went on to complete her BA in Fashion Design at Kent University. After her studies she gained some valuable experience working for various Ladieswear manufactures and suppliers of well known high street brands and designers and with this experience finally decided to venture out and start Chichia London.

Born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and raised in London, England, she has taken influences from both continents and cultures and translated them into her own unique quirky style of clothing. Chichia’s signature is the “KHANGA” which is a traditional east African cotton printed fabric used by women as wraps, and this usually appears in every collection in the form of tops, tunics, dresses or skirts mixed with various different types of fabrics and prints.

Below you see Christine's newest collection which was shared on FashionAfrica Magazine.

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