Bampile, her love for fashion wasn’t a sudden bloom. Growing up bi-racial in Kenya and Uganda, she nurtured a keen eye for style from a young age. A pivotal moment came at 10 years old when she rejected an “ugly dress” for her birthday, determined to choose her own outfit. This experience resonated deeply, igniting a desire to express herself through clothes.
While her parents encouraged a practical path, Bampile couldn’t ignore the pull of fashion. Transitioning to adulthood, she pursued a degree in International Relations, all the while designing and creating unique African-print pieces for herself.
From Hobby to Hustle
While at university, Bampile’s vibrant outfits garnered attention. Strangers often stopped her, captivated by her unique designs. Initially, she saw this as a fun side hustle, but the demand was growing. She even attempted to outsource production, but the results fell short of her vision.
Realizing the potential of her passion project, Bampile decided to take it seriously during her final year. Her lecturers became her first loyal customers, further solidifying her belief in Haute Afrika’s potential.
A Dream Job and a Daring Choice
Following graduation in 2014, Bampile landed her dream job at the United Nations. However, the allure of fashion remained strong. Juggling both her demanding career and her growing clothing business proved unsustainable. Faced with a difficult decision, Bampile chose to chase her haute dreams, leaving the UN behind to focus solely on Haute Afrika.
Haute Success
Today, Bampile’s daring move has paid off in spades. She has dressed some of South Africa’s biggest names, from media personalities like Boity Thulo and Mihlali Ndamase to celebrities like Maps Maponyane. Her exquisite designs have also reached customers internationally, finding homes in far-flung countries like Japan, China, and Canada.
A Global Perspective on African Fashion
Bampile credits her upbringing and travels throughout Africa for her success in the fashion industry. This diverse background allows her to tailor her designs to different regional preferences. “I know what sells in different places,” she explains. “In South Africa, we love a loud print, but that same fabric might not resonate in Congo.”
This cultural sensitivity, coupled with her own bold aesthetic, has enabled Bampile to create a haute take on African fashion that’s resonating with a global audience. And with the recent opening of her first physical store in Johannesburg, Haute Afrika’s future continues to look bright.
