Left: Edna Bideri and her friend Prim Nyonyozi. The duo had a fashion collabo recently. Photos | Courtesy of Prim & Edna.
In the world of fashion today, collaborations have emerged as a powerful catalyst for change, ushering in remarkable transformations within the industry. From the H&M and Mugler to Fendi and Versace collabos, this trend leaves the mark on the fashion landscape.
This spirit is now making waves in Uganda, with a new partnership unfolding between ready-to-wear designer Edna Bideri of Material Girl and digital creator Prim Nyonyozi. For Nyonyozi’s devoted followers, this offers a unique opportunity to acquire pieces infused with her distinctive style, a dream come true for her loyal admirers.
The much-anticipated collection, boasting 60 distinct styles, made its debut two weeks ago. We had a chat with the visionary minds behind this exciting venture and the future.
Edna Bideri, Fashion Designer
What inspired this collaboration?
Edna: Prim and I have a long-standing friendship rooted in our shared passion for fashion and our mutual admiration for how women dress.
Our collaboration stemmed from our desire to address a gap we noticed in Kampala regarding styling knowledge for various occasions. We wanted to create clothing tailored to the African woman’s body, moving away from simply following Western trends.
Prim: We shared a passion for addressing common fashion misconceptions and empowering people with basic styling knowledge. Conversations about dressing for body types, ensuring clothes are fresh, and even the importance of deodorant sparked the idea. We realised that many overlook these fundamentals, so we began compiling topics—such as footwear, bags, and general etiquette. Thus, a desire to put this shared knowledge into action, designing pieces that reflect our combined expertise.
How did this collaboration differ from your usual design process?
Edna: This collaboration allowed us to offer clients an exclusive peek into our design journey, from fabric sourcing trips to India to the meticulous planning involved in crafting each piece. Working alongside Prim also brought a refreshing change from the usual design process. Her input led to the creation of 10 unique styles, including our debut collection of pants.
Highlight key pieces from the collection…
Edna: Standout pieces include our comfortable elastic-back pants, a first for Material Girl, and our beloved maxi dresses that have garnered praise from our clientele.
What was the biggest challenge during the creative process?
