The name and eponymous brand, “Tina Lobondi” is fast becoming known in fashion circles. This brand is known for great design, as seen through delicate combination of French couture and African trends, as well as exclusivity, as they produce only 5 pieces per design!
The spirited designer who is passionate about fashion and her Congolese heritage, started her brand in 2011 and is now helping to organize fashion week in Congo. This includes the most recent Congo fashion week (13th – 15th October 2016) which was intended to promote fashion business in Congo and push for a stronger industry.
Tina Lobondi’s designs are elegant with attention to detail. Some of this attention to detail is demonstrated in their A/W 15 collection which featured delicate white feathers and structured ruffles. This is by far my favorite of their collections, though it is a year old.
Since the inception of her brand, Tina Lobondi has had the opportunity to partner with amazing people including Grammy Award winner Angelique Kidjo, Chloe-Jasmine Whichello and now actress, Thandie Newton. Newton is a brand ambassador for Tina’s T-Shirt line, Esimbi. Esimbi means “it works” in Lingala, the mother tongue spoken in Congo RDC, and is a social enterprise aiming to promote learning in the trades, the arts and education, in order to promote a sustainable way of life for underprivileged children in Congo.
Materials for the Tina Lobondi brand are sourced globally and produced in Paris and London (talk about being a global brand!). The clothing is also available in various stores in different countries, their online store and their VIP club. Here is a list of their stockists globally:
- OWL PARIS, France
- WOLF & BADGER, United Kingdom
- CARNET DE MODE, France
- PAGNE AT HOME, France
- NUBIAN HUEMAN, USA
- KISUA, South Africa
Here are four of my favorite looks from the most recent collection, aptly named “Utopia”.
One of the things I love about this brand is their committment to being relatable to women of all countries and all races and this is evident in all they do; From the selection of fabrics, to the selection of models. This, I believe, is a step in the right direction for brands that seek to have a global appeal. However, in my opinion, a brand that wants to grow globally will have to make a bit of sacrifice on the exclusivity front. Producing only 5 pieces per design could lead to disappointed customers and eventually stifle the brand. What are your thoughts? Do you think Tina Lobondi’s current strategy of producing only 5 pieces could work?
Style Summit Africa 
When it comes to flowing lace and intricate patterns I am drawn like a magnet! Lovely designs.
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Glad you love them. I love Tina Lobondi’s designs too!
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Her designs are incredible. I love the pieces with the white feathers and ruffles. They are so creative yet wearable. Thanks for featuring her! Every time I visit your blog you introduce me to another great designer! Thank you!
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Glad you’re enjoying the blog so far! I really love the white feathers too. Very creative 😃. Enjoy the rest of the week!
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I wish the brand the best of luck, but wow, 5 pieces per collection- I always believe that a collection should tell a story and have pieces for different occasions- casual, smart, work, evening wear etc- so I dont think 5 pieces can really capture that…anyhoo, how gorge is Thandie N in that pic! Have a lovely week ( :
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Oh no not 5 per collection. She does 5 pieces for each design. So for every design that she creates only 5 people in the world will have it ☹️. I understand exclusivity but I think this could harm them if they want to grow. What if there is high demand for a particular design? It will result in disappointed customers
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Aaaah, ok, well it certainly is an interesting approach to things, I wish her the best of luck ( :
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Me too!
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As always, my eyes are drawn to the beautiful colours and designs!
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Such lovely outfits, especially loving the use of feathers! The long white dress is defo my favourite.
http://skylish.co.uk
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Thanks for stopping by Kemi! 😘
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These haute couture designs are really cool! Totally wearable. Today, in honor of my 29th birthday, I’m picking 29 random blog friends to send some extra special thoughts of love. Come visit my blog and say happy birthday if you wish, and keep spreading the love!
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I think it’s a pretty great idea to have five pieces per design. It gives room for a wide range of selections! That deep plunge sheer maxi dress is my favourite. 😻
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Interesting observation Yvonne. It’s true it sort of gives a wide range. But that would mean she would have to have a whole lot of designs per collection if she wants to please her customers. Well, I wish her all the best! Ohhh yes, that’s a pretty dress 😃
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