Step into Belange Mutunda’s home studio and you see mannequins and hangers displaying a wave of colorful fabrics and flowing women’s apparel. Sketches showcase her ideas, moving from a drawing on paper or the computer screen to final product.
The Ankeny resident finds inspiration for her clothing patterns from her native Democratic Republic of the Congo – poppies, hibiscus, magnolias and palms in larger-than-life displays. Vibrant colors bring the feel of a lush jungle and tropical locales.
At just 28, Mutunda has already designed three collections for Shein, the Singapore-based fast-fashion brand, and a fourth is coming out this spring. The new year also will bring a fashion show in Atlanta and a return to designing and making her one-off fashions such as a giant cloudlike dress she wore for her engagement this spring…