Who’s HauTe: Interview with Francis Kwamee of Kwamee By Francis

Monday, February 20th, 2012

He’s funky, fabulous and full of Fashion flavour, he’s Francis Kwamee of “Kwamee by Francis” and luring Australia and the international fashion world into his ‘hip’ pocket with his eclectic and retro designs. A true individual, Kwamee’s mission is reinforced by a deliberately contemporary approach to clothing. Through this alternative attitude, antagonisms and contrasts are brought forth in the name of style. His work is characterized by the unification of casualness and rigour, flexibility and rigidity, historical influences and present-day. Owner of his own flagship store (which opened in 2001) in the main fashion district of Melbourne Australia, Mr Kwamee is no doubt paving the way for African Australian fashion, proving that individual style is just that…individual!

HFA: Well well, lovely to have you chatting with us today! Tell us a little about the man and designer; Francis Kwamee.

Well as you can see my name is Francis Kwamee and I am head designer at “Kwamee By Francis” living in Melbourne, Australia (yes we’re far from most things in the world haha). As we continue on you will retrieve more pieces to the Kwamee puzzle.

HFA: Three words to describe yourself

1-Creative

2-Outgoing

3-Open-minded

HFA: What is your heritage, and what took you to the land of Australia?

I am from Ghana West Africa and I relocated to Australia during my teenage years with my family due to my fathers work.

HFA: Scores of people are interested in fashion and all that comes with it; though not everyone goes on to create a fashion label. What pushed you to do this?

Well it all started with my mother when we were back home, she was constantly sewing when I was younger. She was one definite inspiration for me. However my biggest inspiration would have to be my eldest sister who is an amazing talented designer passing on her fervour for fashion and design to me.

HFA: Where would you say your inspiration for this collection flows from, particularly the colour palette and techniques used?

I have to say that everything inspires me and I don’t follow any trend, I just follow what I feel is right. Usually people follow seasons and draw inspiration from seasons, though I can’t say that I do this.I draw inspiration from what I feel in my heart and not follow trends but educate. In regards to the colour palette and techniques used it all comes from back home; the way people dress (particularly the northerners). I just love it. I also try to incorporate Japanese designs into my creations, merging them with the African inspiration (i.e. the collaboration of the tailored button up coats and stretch harems)

HFA: Being a Ghanaian man living in Australia, would you say you incorporate both Ghanaian and Australian cultural influences into your work?

I definitely incorporate Ghanian influence into my design as I mentioned above, particularly the ways of dressing by the Ghanian northeners. Australia doesn’t really have its own culture as we are such a multicultural society, hence all the diverse cultures add their own persuaion. However I try to keep in mind the climate in Australia and tailor my collection to this, making it transeasonal.

HFA: Who is a Kwamee by Francis Man/Woman?

Somebody who is bold, passionate about fashion and not afraid to stand out in the crowd - setting their own trends. Someone who doesn’t follow others for the sake of fitting in and looking awesome. There are a billion others doing the same thing. Someone who wears my designs wants the crowd to look twice, maybe even three times.

HFA: What do you love most about designing and having your own collection?

I love seeing people actually wearing what I have created and my shop being full with people continuosly coming back, bringing their friends and loved ones. This is what inspires and pushes me forward. Customers loving what I do and wearing what I love to do is the best feeling for sure.

HFA: On first glimpse of your collections I noticed that they have moved away from the common use of Ankara and other African printed fabrics. What are your favourite fabrics to use and why?

Natural fabrics i.e cotton is my absolute favourite – you can just do so much with it. Natural fibres (cottons in particular) are so diverse and much easier to work with. Ontop of this, because of the Austraian weather, cotton is more wearable and very transeasonal – which is what I prefer my collection to be.

HFA: I’m sure like many other designers you have also stood on the shoulders of other giants. Which African and Western designers inspire you the most and what about them inspires you?

Oooh, Ozwald Boateng most definitely! If you look at his past it hasn’t been the easiest walk in the park, though he always manages to get back up and back in the game and has really worked his way to the top. I really love the mans story in a sense that his journey hasn’t been easy but he has never given up and is quite happily reaping the benefits of his hard work. Another Fav would have to be Dries Van Noten. His work is so sexy, very structured and unstructured. His textures and fabrics are from all over the world which I appreciate. Also his assemblages have such a look of their own and you can tell immedietly it is his – and that’s what I aim for. Here in Melbourne I want to have my own look, with people being able to recognise my label and say “Hey, that’s from Kwamee!”

HFA: In recent years, I’m certain you have noticed a great up surge in “African inspired” collections from designers such as Burberry Prorsum, Suno NY, and Christian Dior. Including this, VOGUE Australia recently did an African inspired edition, lacking the inclusion of any African models and/or designers. Do you believe African designers receive enough credit for what they themselves have created?

Of course not, Hello!! There is plenty of cultural theft for so called inspiration. These guys (such as VOGUE Australia) take ideas and don’t give any credit where it’s due. They don’t even use any African models, its ridiculous. Us Africans should continue to promote our own things – who will fight for you if you don’t fight for yourself! Sometimes we sit back and let the world rip us off back home through music, fashion, art etc. So many of us sit back and let it happen. We need to shout it out, make ourselves heard through our own ventures.

HFA: What is Mr. Kwamee looking to bring forth in the future and what should everyone look out for?

In life I’m one of those people who take each day at a time. I try not to plan too far ahead as I do not wish to be disappointed (and I like to be surprised) so just wait to be surprised