Culture can be represented through various facets. Language, codes of manners, religion, rituals, art, norms of behavior, and systems of belief come under the giant umbrella term culture. Though language is a word that first comes to mind when the word culture comes up, a close second is clothes. Clothing is seen as an expression of the culture it corresponds to, as it plays a significant role in creating a sense of belonging, unity, and collective identity.
As an up-and-coming young designer, Carmen DeCharisse, founder of DeCarmenAfrik, is passionate about sharing the culture of Africa through her fabulous clothing line – it is what drives her. Moving from her small town in Mississippi, USA, to the city of Lagos in Nigeria, Carmen has made quite the leap toward her dream.
DeCarmenAfrik’s mission is to help empower women on a global scale. And they do that with the help of high-fashion, quality garments that are functional and can be worn repeatedly. With the help of nostalgic, luxurious, and romantic fashion, Carmen wishes to shine a light on the continent of Africa by showing the world that luxury fashion is not just available in the western world. Every garment they produce has a story behind it.
Moreover, DeCarmenAfrik is a low-waste company that produces small inventories to reduce environmental waste – they use fabric materials that are sustainable and sourced in an ethical way, all produced locally. It sets Carmen apart from many other fashion influencers in luxury design. While most people have this general perception of high-end fashion existing only in the west, her brand ends all such notions through beautiful dresses handcrafted to perfection.
Working as a non-profit organization that caters to females and is run by black women, DeCarmenAfrik’s goal is to provide for less fortunate girls by ensuring they have access to basic needs such as clothing, food, educational tools, etc. Moreover, each person who helped create a piece for the brand is paid a fair wage and works in a pleasant and open environment. In addition, Carmen believes that by becoming more sustainable, they are actively inspiring women worldwide to promote a better future for everyone by reusing and re-wearing their creations.
One of Carmen’s biggest goals is to expand and grow organically online. And with the dedication, commitment, and passion she and her team have put into DeCarmenAfrik, she is on the right path.
