A focus on Fashion Variety with Trudy Kaumba aka Tru-designs

It is my pleasure here from Zambian Eye Fashion, to share with you the insights of a wellknown, Zambian Designer who takes the whole fashion world to great standards.

But can you blame her to even have the curiosity of studying how the Chinese are taking their fashion business which is booming into a milestone?  She has got it all unlike any other. This is an inspiring a selfless creature of a woman who wants to give it all out there to everyone with the passion in fashion….read on

Trudy

Question 1 : What is your name?

My name is Trudy Kaumba I’m a fashion designer,  Gospel singer, Motivational speaker and soon too be actress.  I am an artist who is  very innovative and creative. My label is called Trudy Kaumba commonly known as tru-designs its now A brand though people still want to call it tru-designs.

Question 2 : What do you design?

Answer: I make everything though I add wool to my works that is my trade mark.  I am known for mixing different fabrics with wool.

Question 3: Where did you get the inspiration from?

Answer:  Fashion was in me since I was a kid , it is hard to point at what inspired me I just needed to upgrade it, in my teens I used to collect fabrics cut it and sew using my hands I later found out that I had it in me I had to tap in it and bring it out.

I’d say I’m inspired by God he was the first to design a leather outfit for Adam,  I definitely love the art works in tourism too,  the animal prints and Earthenic  things make me realize how creative God. 

But I do admire other peoples works for instance Jessica Simpson’s shoe collection really love own some of her shoes.  I do admire the Channel broadness the brand is everywhere.

Locally, I think charity is good. I am inspired by many things my day to day life plays a big role and my best designs have always been mistakes which when I try to correct end up very creative.

Question 4 : What other things do you do or design?

Answer: I also do wedding dresses out of wool. I’m unlimited but I haven’t focused on men and children a lot I do more of women than the rest. Most of us focus on women but a good designer really should balance.  We do lose men clients  and kids  who buy more in stores and imported clothes than what we make. 

I have done a lot of shows to name a few I would  say 21st  December was nice  that was when  I launched my fearless collection, which was inspired by a life experience  when I ventured into fashion and tourism the two are like sisters yo me. 

Fashion is deeply Related to tourism though people in Zambia are just now waking up to see that. 

Its the only tourist attraction being run by youths it is an activity that need to be promoted.  

Fashion n style cruise Africa,  is an international mobile runway I’m running from  that time  21st December to date we have grown big. We had the chance to do a side event for UNWTO fashion segment which was funded by the government during the United Nations world tourism general assembly which was hosted between Zambia and Zimbabwe in August  of last year, what a  great experience we hard.

Question 5 : Do you also happen to organize events, If so , what are they? 

 Answer: I myself have become a better event organizer. I am now doing my first red carpet show featuring celebs who have helped me get to were I am,  Precious Habeenzu former miss Zambia and someone  who always helps me get exposure and Musunga Sue Chuzu I feel they inspire me in many ways. The event will be on  18th April, 2014 at Zambia air force (ZAF) in Livingstone  is were the show will be.

Question 6 :  Amazing experiences you have had, So are you a giver in terms of working with other Aspiring Designers since you are very experienced in this field? 

Answer: Yes, I find it easy to work with upcoming designers they are humble and easy to get along with,  I stress less and I’m always my self when working with them, the only thing I do is give them a platform and introduce them to people that is what Precious a fashion designer too,  did she introduced me to Zambia fashion week, also  introduced me to TV  and the rest I had to grow on my own. 

Mostly the biggest reason why I help them is,  I have seen how hard it is to break through making a name, it is  a very hard nut to crack, you have to be innovative and creative very well  invested. requires alot more money in making the name like  I have and so now I feel its time to make my money and let my brand speak for it self. 

Question 7 : Tell me what really puts you on that block in fashion and the type of models you go for to sell your brand? 

 Answer: In fashion what sales you is your name and your clothes have to be unique and creative. For models I always say those who know who they are and what they are made of , take it  part time or full time job, though most of them go in it for wrong reasons or just fun but  modeling is serious business. a I am growing in the industry and I know , my models and I we are certainly taking it to the next level.   

Question 8 : Trudy  would you encourage people to continue pursuing their motivation in fashion or should they forget it because of stiff competition out there …everyone wants to wear brand names,  what’s your say on this?

Answer: People who look up to me,  I always tell them never to give up fashion, it has a great potential, going in it with passion than just for money helps because at times when you don’t sale you have to use your brain on how to get clients and sale clothes. Take one step at a time don’t go in it for fame you have to love what you do  and make constructive future plans. 

 Question 9 : In terms of relevance how well are you situated in it?

Answer: Well,  I just want to be relevant in Livingstone Zambia and Africa for now,  I feel I’m limited in production because I do not have equipment that can produce massively. My main focus is to get that done then I will say more about the future.

I may not know what future has for me but I know who holds my future(God) and my plans are not his were he leads I go but I have goals and plans which I try to fit in his program and making Livingstone where I live, make it  a fashion destination in Zambia like it is with New York,  Paris and London which hold  fashion weeks  and is one of those plans I have set up in mind.

Question 10 : I have noticed that you also have Indian kind of looking designs can you please brief me on that?

Answer: The Indian type is a new collection I do with an Indian design Er mital patel.   Soon, we will be launching it on 18th of April and adding to the interview I feel the government should invest more equipment in the country,  Fashion is big world wide it can be a job creation we produce less and buy more imported things that way money keeps going out.

Question 11: Since you have mentioned the government to getting invested in the fashion business and how would you want everyone to be involved  in marketing these beautiful designs that you have abroad?

If only Zambians in the diaspora can network with us by partnering in selling clothing made from here we will produce more,  but unfortunately we have to believe in our selves I have  been studying China how it makes its money world wide, looks like we have what it takes.

Question 12:It’s been a pleasure conducting this interview with you,  last thing Ms. Trudy, what are your plans in the next 5 years and where can fashionista’s buy these lovely clothes from?

Answer : Hahahaha! well ah! in five years God willing my clothing factory will be running and most of my clothes can be found around Livingstone area.

Thanks to Zambianeye fashions for giving me this opportunity and to all the peers interested in fashion…please let’s keep industry rolling and for only we can make it better.

There you have it fashion lovers…for information about Trudy Kaumba Fashion Line also known as Tru- Designs and on how to purchase the clothes online please contact Zambian Eye via email:- info@zambianeye.com

By Val Shaw