Kris Base, real name Chris Ngalu is an award-winning Malawian designer who Draws inspiration from African stories and the incorporation of heritage, craft techniques, and art to create sustainable design.
He describes his work as Afro-futurist, envisioning the future of Africa through a multidisciplinary approach. He believes in expressing his unique African narrative and address Social issues through design.
Ngalu established a popular Malawian streetwear brand called BASE. Ngalu’s brand, “BASE,” is an acronym for “Bold Afrikans Striving for Excellence.” It Celebrates African culture, heritage, and history through vibrant prints and bold Designs, infused with 90s nostalgia. He perceives his fashion pieces as artworks or vessels that convey stories and messages.
Ngalu talked on what Inspired him to blend traditional African patterns with modern fashion attires.
In an interview, he said: “The brand started basically with my love for fashion and as I grew up and was developing my personal style and knowing more about my roots and the power of being African”.
“I tried to find clothes that were high end but with evident African influences and I couldn’t find them so I decided to just start making them” he added.
Ngalu shared the story behind his brand “BASE”. He said: “BASE stands for Bold Africans Striving for Excellence and the main mission for the brand is to help uplift the representation the Africa through showcasing our great positive stories through craftsmanship, that’s why most of the pieces I made are mostly handmade”.
Ngalu added that AFROPUNK Jacket is one of the pieces that holds significant cultural meaning to him. He said: “There is a piece called AFROPUNK, this jacket takes influence from the Nyau and Ndebele culture. It features bold patterns influenced by the Ndebele and also Regal frills and details from the Nyau regalia”.
“These two influences are an integral part of African culture, not only from their aesthetic value but also from the Rich symbolism and history they represent”
Ngalu has achieved significant recognition and affiliations within the design. He has been recognised Top Talent in the 2019 Adobe Design Achievement Awards, He was the Semi – Finalist in the Pendoring Advertising Awards in South Africa and served as a Facilitator for the “Jobs4Youth” project under Mzuzu University.
Ngalu believes that art plays a role in preserving and promoting African culture. “An artist should be a voice for social issues, express cultural identifies and create new narratives that resonate with their community. Through art, we can Foster a sense of community and contribute to national identity”.
He further said that one of his holding umbrellas of his art is Afrofuturism. “The key message behind Afrofuturism is the idea of empowerment and liberation for black people. I believe with my art, I can inspire the next generation of proud African’s because the future looks African”.
Throughout his fashion career, Ngalu has released a number of collections. Some notable collections include “ANXIOUS,” which tackles mental health and anxiety issues, “UFULU,” which focuses on African representation and independent though and “Njikau” and “Vizwazwa,” which revolve around repurposing and recycling fabrics and clothes to promote sustainability.
With this project, he has managed to style and dress almost all popular Malawian musicians including Tay Grin, Phyzix, Eli Njuchi, Kim of Diamonds, Zani Challe among others.
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