Faye's Family heirloom

This personal project is a celebration of family, heritage and the stories we carry through generations. Inspired by the experience of being away from home, the ageing of my parents and grandparents, and Thebe Magugu’s Heirloom project, among other influences, the work became a way of reconnecting with my roots through design. Each print draws inspiration from the East African kanga, incorporating family photographs, meaningful colour palettes and traditional dress to create garments rich in personal and cultural significance. The orange dress features my maternal grandparents, Henry and Fayce Barlow. Its colour palette was inspired by my aunt Estella Wandera’s wedding, where my mother served as her sister’s maid of honour. The original dress she wore for the occasion is still part of our family’s collection, making this design a tribute to a cherished family memory. The blue ensemble celebrates my paternal grandparents, Frobisher and Eva Kabali-Kagwa. Its top takes inspiration from the busuuti, the traditional dress worn by Baganda women, connecting the piece to Ugandan cultural heritage. Together, these pieces explore the relationship between memory, identity, family and fashion, transforming personal histories into wearable heirlooms. A special thank you to Ap April of Icephe Studio for bringing the designs to life, and to Katoya Bingala for the craftsmanship and tailoring that made the project possible.