Kenyan-Born Fashion Designer Nominated For European Fashion And Designer Of The Year Award

Winnie Ojanga

A Kenyan-born fashion designer based in Zurich, Switzerland, Winnie Ojanga has beaten the odds to become a household name in the Swiss fashion industry.

Through her, pardon pun, outfit, Winnie Ojanga’s Creations, she has been able to share the fashion platform with the crËme de la crËme of the industry and was recently nominated for the prestigious European Fashion and Designer of the Year award for her creativity, style and elegant designs.

She recently graced an international gig, the 2010 Charles Vˆgele fashion days in Z¸rich, an event that not only attracted big names in fashion, entertainment and film in Europe but also turned Z¸rich into a hotspot in the fashion world for the first time in history.

When did you start Winnie Ojangas creations?

I started the Winnie Ojanga’s Creations in 2007 because I wanted to have a beautiful label that captures femininity, elegance, class and style.

What is your style?

Each of my collections showcases complete fashion forward styles that are easy to wear, timeless, ageless, classy and undoubtedly unique. I use exquisite fabrics that make every piece a fashion statement.

How did it feel to be nominated for the Fashion and Designer of the Year Award in Europe?

It is a very humbling and a great honour to know that my work was being recognised and appreciated not only here in Switzerland but also in the other parts of Europe. I did not expect to be nominated for such a big award. It came as a pleasant surprise to me. I’m grateful to the people who nominated me and to the judges who selected me. Being nominated for this award has motivated me to keep pushing against all odds.

Tell us about your experience at the 2010 Charles Vˆgele Fashion Days event in Zurich?

It was a beautiful learning experience that I hope to share with our Kenyan and the East African fashion industry someday. Being a part of the team that presented the "Biaggini violet opening night" was spectacular. The Biaggini violet collection was designed by Hollywood actress Penelope Cruz and her sister Monica who is also an actress. The two sisters are the faces of Biaginni’s group-wide image campaign worldwide. Penelope Cruz and Monica have also designed for the fashion house Mango in Europe.

You also worked with the top models in the fashion industry?

Yes, I was also part of the "Fashion Days Model Challenge" team. Working alongside Swiss supermodel Nadine Strittmatter and former Swiss model, actor and author Urs Althaus was exciting. †Nadine has a very successful international modelling business. She has modeled for big names like Carl Lagerfeld, Christian Dior, Armani, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jogn Galiloe, and Victorias Secrets.

Urs Althaus, on the other hand, was the first black male model to make it to the cover of American Men’s fashion Magazine, GQ. Urs stormed the fashion catwalk of the world and modelled for world famous designers such as Calvin Klein, Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent.

Back-stage was very hectic but fun. It was†hectic and demanding but very rewarding as is the world of fashion. Everyone was on toes — right from the designers to make-up artists, photographers and celebrity stylist. It was a great time to share and exchange ideas with them. It takes a lot of hard work, team spirit, discipline and talent to be at such great events.

Any challenges you have faced as a fashion designer?

Well, there are many different challenges in the industry. For new designers the most challenging part of setting up your own fashion brand is the ability to be able to multitask — you are your own personal assistant, public relations guru, accountant and producer all at the same time.

My other challenge was juggling my role as a mother and trying to break into the fashion world. I am glad I managed to strike a balance because I am happy with where I am so far.

Another challenge for any designer is marketing†and putting up a collection without losing the spark of creativity as a designer.

What are your plans for the future?

I am currently working on an expansion model, which will help in getting our products into many stores.

What has been your motivation?

My children have been my greatest motivation and I do it for them. I work hard to build a future for them. That is so fulfilling and it gives me joy, even after a hectic day at work. †I’m also motivated by seeing that I am able to help others around me. That keeps me going.

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