To put it simple; he is young and talented! That statement becomes even more true when you take a closer look on what he does; design wearable garments which are in the true sense of a combination of cultures,styles and fabrics. We are talking about Ally Rehmtullah(photo above)
Right now he is among the most respected fashion designers in Tanzania. And he is not done yet. He vividly mention that a lot more is coming from him. All you have to do,if you are a fashion enthusiast, is to wait for more. A lot more!
We recently caught up with him for a chit chat. Here is how it all went down;
BC: When and how did you decide to become a Fashion Designer? How did it all start?
AR: Fashion has been part of my life since my childhood.I have always loved fashion and design. But it got serious when I went to Philadelphia-USA to study graphics. When there, I also branched into fashion and graduated with both majors.
BC: Fashion is a personal statement, it has no rules. Whatever someone chooses to put on should be accepted. Do you agree with that statement?
AR: I do. To me fashion means wearing something that makes a statement. Anything that makes people turn around and stare at you in a good way.
BC: Then what do you think makes someone a great fashion designer?
AR: Having the right style, know what you are doing and how you do it.In Tanzania its all about who you are and what you do. A great fashion designer should also be seen at the right places with the right people and do the right things.
BC: There are many fashion designers now in Tanzania, so we can imagine the competition is a bit more than it used to be. Who do you consider to be your competitor and how do you guys work together to make Tanzanians believe in home made designer’s clothes?
AR: I don’t think I have any competition. All the designers here are very different from each other. Each one,including myself, have their own market and clients. However, of course with the right quality and end product people tends to believe in you. I believe that is what we need to do in order for more people to choose our products over imported ones.
AR
BC: As a designer, what do you think of the whole internet phenomena and do you feel it benefits you much?
AR: A lot. As a good fashion designer it is my duty to educate fellow Tanzanians about what is happening in the international market. I therefore use the internet to follow the international trends of fashion as well as keep up with the latest ins and outs of the fashion world.
BC: On average how much of time do you spend on the internet on daily basis?
AR: An hour or two at most.
BC: What are the benefits of your career? What do you find most rewarding about it?
AR: My career connects me to a lot of people.It also feels so good when someone tells you that you are their inspiration. When someone looks up to you and wants to be like you. It’s a great feeling when you work hard on something and it is appreciated by many.I find those things very satisfying and therefore rewarding.
BC: What inspires you Ally?
AR: Everything around me. I live in a country which has so much beautiful things around. I never have to look hard for insipiration.
BC: How do you start designing a collection?
AR: I start by thinking about what is in the market. Then I take a close look at my environment, my clients and how will the latest trend make me more accepted in the market. I also do a research on the colours that are in season. What follows is preparation of sketches before going shopping for fabrics. I then take it from there.
But I also want to work with pieces that are wearable and pieces that someone can relate to their daily lives. Unfortunately that route involves some risks but it’s all good.
Ally(right) with another Tanzanian fashion designer,Farha in Dar-es-salaam.
BC: Talking about risks; has there been a time when you have had difficult obstacles to face and almost gave up in your career?Or you wished you were never a fashion designer at all?
AR: I have never regretted being a designer. Obstacles are always there especially during the initial stages. But once you start thinking positive and believe in yourself, you will see wonders.
BC: Recently you were among the judges at the Miss Universe Tanzania beauty pageant. How was that experience?
AR: It was very good experience especially being there with Rosie from South Africa who is a presenter with MNET. It felt good and it was a high profiled event.
BC: Basing on what you saw, what you judged…do you think Tanzania will stand out at the world stage?
AR: The girl we chose is smart and beautiful. She also has had an interesting past basing on her one on one interview. With the right attitude she could take Tanzania very far at the world stage.
Ally(left) posing with Miss Universe 2009,Iluminata James.
BC: What should a young person do to prepare himself/herself to become a fashion designer?
AR: Believe in themselves and fight.
BC: What do you wish people could understand about working in the fashion industry?
AR: I wish people could understand that it’s not always about fame. It’s about passion and you need to struggle to get there and it’s not an easy struggle.
BC: What is a typical day for you like?
AR: It varies. Like right now, wake up at 10-eat breakfast. Go to work for few hours, eat.Go shopping for home,cook dinner for my baby, go to sleep. I guess this is because the last show I put together drained me out big time.
I am going to Malawi on friday for the weekend to relax a bit before coming back and pay more attention to my work and to my next projects that are coming up.
BC: What do you like doing when you are not designing clothes or judging beauty pageants?
AR: Eating,sleeping,reading,painting,traveling around and spending time with myself.
BC: Who are some of your favourite fashion designers in the world?
AR: I love McQueen, Vivienne Westwood. These designers are not afraid of doing what they feel like doing. I admire them for that. They always suprise me.
Thank you! That is what he seems to be saying to the people who attended his most recent show which he called Delectables.
BC: The world of fashion talks a lot about Barack and Michelle Obama…especially Michelle’s fashion and choices. Does her fashion and style inspire you in any way?
AR: No comments. I haven’t really paid attention to it. I am as bad in politics as I am at cooking. But I have seen her few times and she always looked well dressed with right colours and right attire.
BC: Are you married Ally?
AR: No.I am not married and super happy. Bado nipo nipo kwanza.
BC: If anyone wants to help or needs your assistance, how can they do so or contact you?
AR: They can contact me through info@allyzdesigns.com. I love helping people and showing them the way to be successful. Everyone is welcome.
BC: Ally thank you very much for your time. I wish you all the best in your career.
AR: Thank you too Jeff. Thank you for your time and also considering me to be on BongoCelebrity!!
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10 Responses to “A CHIT CHAT WITH ALLY REHMTULLAH”
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Siri ya mtungi aijuae kata
“CLASSIC PROFESSIONAL INTERVIEW”
At first all Tanzanians carried away with utmost shockness for your unbelievable & outstanding talent you have achieved,as one of the Top Designers,in a very short period of time.
Now the whole continent of Africa is watching your “piece of art” verry closely with no doubt as one of the best at our time.
My advice to you “take one step at a time” believe me soon or later with or without Competition,you are about to explode arround the world in this fashion Industry.
Keep your “natural spirit” of helping other new talents,remember without competition there will be no creative fashions of our modern times.
Denmark
Mr.Degree mbona hatukuelewi?
mmmh mbona hujamuliza vizuri…..huwa akirudi home kumpikia baby wake…!!!!
congratulation Ally… mhmh mbona watu manataka yasiyowahusu. amesema bado yupo yupo kwanza… Na huyo baby wake manataka kumjua ili? This is about fashion…..
hellow brother!mambo vp?am glad to see u in this wall,well am among of the tanzanian people who like and admire your work.and i jst want to say Conglatulation for the talent u have,bt i like and prefer much to be a model bt i dont know where to start,if possible its better to work with you.4 more information we can contact more.have a nice day.
u no wat i lov ur designnss i always wsh to b a designer u realy fabolous
Mbona mnaboa sana BC?Yeye na Richa mmewahoji Kiingereza????Si wanajiita Wabongo???Waongee Kiswahili throughout basi!Ujinga wa kuhojiwa kwa Kiingereza sitaki kuuona tena humu!Kama mtu anajiita Mbongo na hawezi ongea Kiswahili,basi wasitumie mgongo na passport zetu kutimiza amza zao binafsi kwani tunazijua,basi tu,tunaminya ila ipo day….
hello brother, kiukweli mimi ni mmoja wa watu wanaopenda sana kazi zako. n a hasa kinachonifanya nikukubali zaid ni sababu napenda sana mitindo.binafsi napenda sana uanamitindo ila sijajua pa kuanzia na nimesoma kwenye kurasa yako kwamba unapenda kusaidia watu na kuwaonyesha njia ya kua. t’s ma hope that i’ll be one of them. naomba uguswe kunisaidia hilo kwa kweli nitafurahi na kushukuru sana kwa kutimia kwa ndoto yangu, na2mai kusikia toka jibu la matumaini.thanx.
ally uko juu nazikubali kazi zako.