Mozambique has seen many foreign faces rule the lands over a period of approximately 400 years. First home to Arab settlers who were later displaced by the invasion of the Portuguese led by the explorer Vasco da Gama, the emergence of colonialism also prompted the displacement of Bantu tribes, and the enslavement of many locals as a result of trade in a country rich in natural resources and minerals. However, the dynamics of the nation changed as more African countries gained independence, fueling an uprising led by the Liberation Front of Mozambique (FRELIMO) which resulted in their freedom in 1975.

As Mozambique moves away from its colonial past, it is defining its own dialect within the language of fashion. Over the past few years as more channels are being created, the connections between African nations have been strengthened and this has enabled brands like Taibo Bacar to link with well-established African brands as well to as exist in global spaces. Founded in 2010 by Mozambican design duo Taibo Bacar and Tatiana Ismael, the semi-eponymous label is an ode to women, tailored in a way that makes every woman feel envied, respected and adored. It offers a range of luxurious pieces in lively prints, cut in ultra-feminine silhouettes. Each piece is inspired by African nobility and royalty—a tribute to the strength of African heritage. Taibo Bacar is also credited as the first African brand to walk at Milan Fashion Week. This presented a unique opportunity for the designer to interact with the likes of the revered Valentino and the late great Franca Sozzani.

Bacar and Ismael have been building awareness of their brand within the country and enabling Mozambican consumers to understand fashion from an evolved perspective. This is the distinct difference between them and other up-and-coming Mozambican brands. “Where we position ourselves is incredibly important. We have to place our brand in mediums that will attract clients that can relate to our brand. It can be quite a challenge in Mozambique due to the fusion of cultures,” says Bacar. What differentiates Mozambique from many African countries is its racial and cultural diversity. When it comes to marketing a product it can be challenging to target all the co-existing groups. “Every time we initiate the process of creating a new collection, we have to ask ourselves how it will be received by the public and to what degree will it entice consumers. We have reached a stage where the brand is seen as an enterprise so we have to meet the intersection of creative satisfaction and commercial demand,” says Bacar. “A big contributor to our success is understanding our brand identity,” he adds. “By doing that, we can designate what kinds of products we want to develop, whom we want to target, and what kind of stories we want to tell. We have defined our entire DNA and that has helped us find a balance, following trends while still being true to ourselves.”

Like any relationship, Bacar’s and Ismael’s is not without its ups and downs. The two at times are like fire and ice, and perhaps that is what has benefited the brand the most. Through conflicting ideas and disagreements, they are able to bring varied points of views to the table. Bacar is more focused on the creative aspects of their brand, allowing Ismael to take the driver’s seat when it comes to administrative decisions. One point where the two see eye to eye is using their voice as a brand. “Although we are a young brand, we choose not to be ignorant to the social issues and acknowledging marginalized groups. That has made us aware of the power we hold to change the narrative beyond fashion. As a brand, we have attracted people who may not necessarily gravitate towards our products but appreciate the work that we are doing in terms of highlighting minorities and amplifying different voices. We talk about women, violence, and social imbalance. More than wanting to dress people, we want to represent our country. We want to be synonymous with patriotism and that establishes a connection with Mozambican consumers supporting the brand,” says Bacar.

What is remarkable about Bacar is that he is more interested in building the brand’s legacy than building up his own name as a designer. “The brand should continue long after I’m gone. Everything is well defined, clear and constructed. Creating lasting imagery is very important to me,” he says. He believes the future of their label will echo the past, saying “I see it as an evolution of the brand.”