From the copper-rich heart of Chingola in Zambia’s Copperbelt province to the eclectic world of fashion, Rabecca Mwandunga’s journey is as multifaceted as her designs. Initially carving her path in the banking sector with roles at Finance Bank and later at Standard Chartered, destiny took her elsewhere.
“I always wore something a little bit different,” she says, reminiscing about her days in the corporate world. This distinctive style, vibrant and exaggerated, drew mixed reactions. But it was her own innovation a traditional fabric summer hat at a bridal shower that truly sparked her passion. “It dawned on me that the outfit would have looked extra amazing if the hat was also in a traditional fabric,” Rabecca reflects. When her creations appeared in the February-March 2020 edition of Mahogany Airline’s magazine, she took it as a sign. Leaving her corporate role behind, Rabecca embraced her passion full time, birthing House of Becky “The Articulate Fashion Designers Hub”.
For Rabecca, fashion is more than clothing. “Fashion is an art and you have to enjoy what you are wearing,” she insists. She speaks fondly of her inspirations, highlighting international brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada. But it’s not just the global bigwigs that inspire her. Closer to home, she finds motivation in the passion of Nigerian designers and the trailblazing spirit of local talents like Nkanda Yatu and Fay designs.
However, the journey isn’t without challenges. “The fashion world is the most less helped in terms of sponsorship in my country,” she laments. In Zambia, the line between tailoring and design is often blurred. Yet, hope isn’t lost. Rabecca acknowledges the instrumental role of platforms like Katutura Fashion Week in offering designers like her a spotlight. “Seeing Fashion on the other side of the region like Katutura fashion week has been an eye-opener,” she admits.
As she forges ahead, her ambitions are clear. “My dream for my brand is to be here for a long run, to stand the test of time even when I am long gone,” she asserts. Despite occasional financial constraints, resource shortages, and emotional lows, Rabecca remains steadfast. “Challenges unveil strengths,” she says, emphasizing the value of perseverance, “Challenges are part of the journey; it is part of the process.”
She also emphasizes the importance of mental well-being in her journey, advocating for breaks, relaxation, and re-energizing oneself. In Rabecca’s view, “Mental health is very important. You need a healthy mind to be able to execute your work.”
As for what the future holds for House of Becky? Rabecca offers a tantalizing hint: “Expect to have your eyes excited.”
