Aluel
Dress
2013 (designed), 2021 (made)
2013 (designed), 2021 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Based in Nairobi, Kenyan fashion designer Katungulu Mwendwa is known for her understated and skillfully constructed fashion collections inspired by the diverse traditions of communities from across the African continent such as the Tuareg and Dinka communities.
Her ‘Dinka Translation’ collection of 2013, from which this dress comes, is inspired by the stories, iconography and traditions of the South Sudanese Dinka community. The name of this dress, ‘Aluel’, is a Dinka term meaning either beautiful woman or beautiful cow. Mwendwa explains that this name is a great compliment in a community in which cattle are highly valued.
Her ‘Dinka Translation’ collection of 2013, from which this dress comes, is inspired by the stories, iconography and traditions of the South Sudanese Dinka community. The name of this dress, ‘Aluel’, is a Dinka term meaning either beautiful woman or beautiful cow. Mwendwa explains that this name is a great compliment in a community in which cattle are highly valued.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Titles |
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Materials and techniques | 47% cupro, 22% Tencel®, 31% linen |
Brief description | Dress, Aluel, black,Dinka Translation collection, designed by Katungulu Mwendwa, Nairobi, Kenya, 2021 |
Physical description | Sleeveless black knee-length dress |
Dimensions |
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Production type | small batch |
Gallery label |
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Credit line | Purchased with funds from the Sue Smith bequest |
Object history | The dress was initially available in four colourways: grey, off-white, cream or black, maintaining her preference for muted, versatile colours. |
Summary | Based in Nairobi, Kenyan fashion designer Katungulu Mwendwa is known for her understated and skillfully constructed fashion collections inspired by the diverse traditions of communities from across the African continent such as the Tuareg and Dinka communities. Her ‘Dinka Translation’ collection of 2013, from which this dress comes, is inspired by the stories, iconography and traditions of the South Sudanese Dinka community. The name of this dress, ‘Aluel’, is a Dinka term meaning either beautiful woman or beautiful cow. Mwendwa explains that this name is a great compliment in a community in which cattle are highly valued. |
Collection | |
Accession number | T.2388-2021 |
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Record created | July 29, 2021 |
Record URL |
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