Doreen Mashika was born and raised in Tanzania, studied and worked in Switzerland, and is now part of a growing homeward bound African diaspora.
While in Switzerland she began a career in the financial industry, specializing in luxury goods fund management. This is where she had her first contact with the fashion industry and designers, providing her a unique insight and appreciation of the sector.
Inspired by a deep sense of affection for the cultural heritage and wealth of design possibilities in Africa, she returned to Tanzania and settled in Zanzibar to pursue her passion of design while building a successful company.
To date, Doreen Mashika has launched a successful retail store supported by a vertical supply chain, with her brand attracting international attention and demand.
She has created a brand with unique mix of contemporary techniques; pieces to admire and treasure.
Travel is a constant source of inspiration for me.
Where ever I go I see things that inspire me. It could be an interesting print seen in a market stall in London, a beautiful blue African sky, or a piece of art hanging in a New York gallery. I took inspiration for my current collection from a recent Safari trip to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. In my current collection you will note a nod to the Maasai people through Cow Horn Jewelry, Maasai Bracelets, and beaded pieces, which have all been ethically sourced and produced here on the continent Africa.
It is of paramount importance that when we produce these items we do not neglect the cultural values of the Maasai in addition to the delivery of a global direction. Across Africa, I am always inspired by beautiful bold prints with a mix of crystalized ornaments, which reflects the rich history of Oman and Zanzibar. Through travel, I have adapted my brand accordingly and the Doreen Mashika Must Have Accessories.
We build a mutual relationship of respect with our suppliers, fair wages and prices, healthy working conditions and understanding where our raw materials come from.
We ask ourselves: Did the environment suffer?
What measures were taken to protect the environment and its people?
The attention to detail is prominent in our work. But beyond the appeal of the products, we always strive to create a brand that is ethical and eco-conscious.
Our designs mix modern contemporary shapes with a classic twist. We never want the DMZ client to be limited. We want everyone at any age to find elements of themselves in our collection.
I am inspired by the many different sources of global beauty. The Doreen Mashika woman is style conscious, with her finger on the pulse of fashion. She is globally interconnected with a love for all things beautiful. She mixes designer brands with bespoke one-off pieces and always likes to be a key influencer over her peers. She is a key opinion-former and, most of all, a trend leader.
My favorites are the African print designer handbags. Last year I was at a three-day wedding each day had in African print theme. How inspiring I found it! And the next day, I was busy choosing my color palettes in a busy market in Congo. It was the mood of my trip which dictated the colors and prints instead of what fashion editors say what color we should wear in 2014. DM will always have that personal twist.
Being located and working in a prestigious destination such as Zanzibar, it’s not easy to choose where to go next! I always start at a resort, followed by a Safari. I absolutely love the bush. I would love to share what I have under the sleeve this year -- Switzerland. For the first time, my children will learn how to ski, so Gstaad is definitely on the list. I think it will be very exciting and we are all very much looking forward to it!
Being based in Zanzibar, I have access to variety of items but some items in terms or international brands are rather limited. As a result, the shopping attitude is ?Buy now, or ? Never! Having said this, I love to shop and often take my time to decide in order of priorities. ?Must Haves? I would purchase with immediate effect and, the rest ?well ?these items can wait.
I spend a considerable amount of time being based in the village and in the bush so there are times when I am crying out for a little piece of luxury. I much prefer smaller boutique hotels that reflect the personal style of the accommodating country.
