Bolingo means love in Lingala. When we started our fashion apprenticeship program we quickly decided that everything our trainees made would go to the community. We wanted to give them something made with love. We wanted something beautiful, high quality and that would fit a wide range of people. We wanted people to know that we considered them and cared about them.
Our first test product was the Bolingo shirtdress/trench. Yes, we know its hot in Africa. Yes we know that people don’t usually wear coats but a trench can be so helpful during those cool evenings. It also doubles as a shirtdress. We wanted a really flattering color and pattern. The blue and yellow was a clear winner for this style. We changed the lining a few times, changed the color and closure. After a few test we were confident that we made something beautiful that our fellow community members would love.
The apprentice also made bolero jackets in a floral print, bomber jackets and jerseys with Bolingo printed on a jersey. Below are some photos of the collection made by our apprentice. We hope you see the love that went into every piece we made. We gave pieces to our friends in the village of Lau.
With Love,
Adolophine
