On Sunday, approximately 200 guests gathered at a luxurious country resort in Middleburg, VA for a fashion show by clothing brand Hanifa. The event took place in a massive tent adorned with white curtains, with sunlight peeking through the ceiling. Despite being an hour away from the Washington airport, attendees flew in from major cities like New York, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles. Anifa Mvuemba, the founder of Hanifa, has fostered a close-knit community of supporters who were willing to travel for the show.
Known for her vibrant dresses and knitwear, Mvuemba has developed a devoted fan base. She specializes in offering colorful and chic pieces that stand out from the typical blacks, whites, and neutrals. Her fall 2023 collection features reasonably priced tops starting at $125 and pants starting at $169. Recently, Mvuemba expanded into the bridal market, unintentionally closing Bridal Fashion Week with her debut collection. The show took place at a Black-owned, women-owned luxury resort called the Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg.
The event was designed to resemble a wedding, beginning with indoor welcome drinks. Women dressed in custom Hanifa jumpsuits greeted guests, many of whom wore cocktail attire from previous Hanifa collections. Attendees then made their way to the tent for the runway show, pausing along the way to take sunlit selfies while a string quartet played popular songs. The theme of the show was “Love at First Sight,” and it commenced with a love poem read aloud by writer Opemipo Olowomeye.
The festivities continued with an after-party where the DJ played hit songs. Guests indulged in truffle pizza, chicken sliders, and champagne. Mvuemba wanted to create a memorable experience for everyone in attendance, highlighting the thriving Black wedding culture in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. She invited wedding makeup artists, hairstylists, and event planners, even hiring a wedding planner herself. Mvuemba, who is getting married next year and recently became a mother, values representing the DMV area where she is based.
Presenting her bridal collection away from the typical fashion week calendar in Virginia allowed guests to fully enjoy the show without the pressure of rushing to the next event. The runway show lasted around 30 minutes and featured a variety of bridal gowns with sculpted shoulders, cinched waists, jacket structures, and feathers. Mvuemba intentionally avoided lace, opting for a modern aesthetic that challenges traditional bridal norms.
Mvuemba’s bridal venture is a testament to her growth as a designer. Initially, she struggled to fulfill orders as a one-woman business but now has a studio with a team of 20 patternmakers and seamstresses. Launching a bridal collection has always been a dream for Mvuemba, and she finally felt financially ready to support it. The show featured her first bridal client, who had asked her to create a wedding dress in 2016.
Hanifa gained significant attention in 2020 when a presentation on Instagram Live went viral. The brand has since become a favorite among celebrities like Keke Palmer, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Coco Jones, and Bella Hadid. In 2021, Mvuemba received a grant from the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. However, Hanifa has always maintained a loyal local following, with guests at the show having followed Mvuemba’s work since she started taking custom orders via text messages and Instagram in 2012.
Mvuemba’s dedication to quality and unique designs sets Hanifa apart from other fashion brands. She prioritizes inclusivity and features plus-size models in her runway shows. The bridal collection marks the beginning of a new era for Hanifa. While currently an e-commerce business, Mvuemba plans to expand by making Hanifa Bridal gowns available in stores and eventually opening her own bridal boutique. The collection, which includes ready-to-wear pieces and customizable designs, will be released online on October 27.