defashionista designs

Matalena Stanley Mtunguja is the fourth child in a family of five girls of Mr and Mrs Mtunguja. Being born in a feminine family with democratic and outspoken parents was what made me a fashion lover with no limitations. My fashion journey began when I was in primary school where I would participate in many fashion shows, dramas, and traditional and modern dances. It was a great nurturing for my talent because apart from being the best student in the class, I still had the best drawing, dancing and acting skills which made me on top of my class unlike most people would expect.

In 2016 I went to University in Dodoma (capital city of Tanzania) where I had the freedom to express my fashion sense through what I wore to the classes which attracted attention and led me to start fashion consultation for women. The name Defashionista Designs grew from there as many student photographers loved to do photo shoots with me because of my fashion sense. I sold second-handed clothes at the time, and as a strategy to get more customers, I had to look more appealing.

In 2019 I finished my Bachelor’s in Health Information Systems and got an Intern position at a feminist organization in Dar es Salaam. Having gathered enough knowledge and skills, in June 2021 when my contract ended, my fashion design journey began when I opened my design firm and hired a tailor who assisted me in sewing while I did the designing, marketing and other roles. 

Defashionista Designs is a fashion design brand that offers made-to-measure and ready-to-wear outfits for both males and females in Tanzania. I used 100% cotton African prints and a mix of other fabrics that are well designed and tailored. My creativity and branding have made the brand the most profound brand within the Eastern African countries where in December of 2021 I had the opportunity to showcase my first Designs in Swahili Fashion Week as a part of the TWCC group. Defashionista means the world of fashionistas, the home of fashion and all fashion can give, so when it comes to designing the sky is never the limit for me. My brand stands on Dynamic, Authentic and Relevant (DAR) ideology which provides the consumer with satisfaction and eagerness to always seek the best of Defashionista skills thus creating new and aesthetically pleasing designs to meet customer requirements.

I believe fashion gives people a voice, and the liberty to speak and tell their stories as well as raise their self-esteem so when it comes to telling the best story, Defashionista Design is the place to choose