Not many 21 year olds own their own fashion company, but Omar Munie, bag designer extraordinaire, is not a typical 21 year old. From a young age Munie distinguished himself in the art of making high fashion bags. His defined tailoring skills and hard work brought him to the attention of his teachers and colleagues at Mondriaan Mode Vak School in The Hague, which provided the first step in realizing his potential as an upcoming designer. If you love bags, you will love Omar Munie, one of Netherlands rising bag designers. From Baguette to clutch bags to balantine purses he designs them all and designs with a unique and artistic flare. His fresh new designs have already taken New York, Dubai, Munich and Amsterdam by storm, and he looks set to continue his quest for world domination over in London, the city he describes as ‘the best fashion city.’ So who is the man behind the hype? And what inspires him? I met with him at his base in The Hague to find out more. I arrived at Munie’s atelier, located in the old Telecommunications building in The Hague, not far from the glossy world associated with fashion. Upon meeting Munie, I was struck by his friendly and approachable demeanour as he described the layout of his atelier and discussed designs with his employees. On entering into the quaint yet surprisingly spacious studio I couldn’t help but notice the inspiring view of The Hague from the windows; in fact everything about it seemed laced with an air optimism and vibrant energy. The ateliers view of The Hague is no less than stunning, with its tumbling scenery and charismatic buildings, the interior is artistically designed and caters well for the needs of a busy design house. In such a charming and artistically designed work place, it is no surprise Munie appears a relaxed and welcoming host. Despite having a respectable team of workers, he still remains an approachable ‘hands on’ designer, it is clear from his interaction with staff and associates that success has not changed this unassuming talent, or indeed his passion and flare for design. Born into a Somali family of designers and tailors in Mogadishu, Somalia; Munie was exposed to the skill of tailoring from a young age. At the age of 3 Munies family immigrated to Tanzania due to political instability in their homeland. Munie recalls that it was during his time in Tanzania, at age 6, that he became a young apprentice at his family trade, learning how to sew from his parents and uncles. Though his new found skills were put to the back of his mind as civil war raged in Somalia, causing him, and his siblings, to be sent to the Netherlands, where they were taken into foster care while awaiting the reunion with their family. For Omar it was a struggle to live in Holland without his parents. ‘’Its hard for a kid to move away and not to have a place you feel you can call your home, but it is also what taught me to be self reliant and hardworking.’ he admits.

It wasn’t until several years later that Munie’s family was reunited and they began a normal life in Holland. Sewing remained a family tradition and munie often spent time with his mother helping her sew and tailor, honing his skills for the future. During this time he was inspired and encouraged by his mother to further his knowledge in tailoring which subsequently lead to him enrolling in The Hague fashion school Mondriaan Mode Vak School. In one of his first assignments he created a bag several years ahead of his education level and gained a reputation with both his class mates and teachers. It is interesting to see the passion in Omars eyes when he talks of his creations and life as a designer. Omar tells us that he is inspired by his past, fashion, music and feminine figures but most he is inspired by people enjoying life.

When asked if Omar sees himself as a Muslim he replied, “Religion plays an important part in my live, I am a Muslim and I make it a habit of not missing my prayers, every Friday I go to the mosque for Juma. As a designer I notice that the fashion world is one filled with glamour but equally it’s a hard working industry, where there is a place for talented people. After designing and making a bag in my first year of school that usually final year students make, my teachers were surprised and I knew that I had discovered my talent as a bag designer. It is hard to believe, from the way Omar talks of his life as a designer, that he has only been working in the fashion industry for six years, with this in mind I am curious to know how he feels about the pressure that comes with expectation. “I experienced and felt that sometimes the pressure and expectation is very hard to handle, but when you love what you’re doing and you have achieved most of your goals at such a young age there is no pressure and the only expectations are the ones that I am in this business to fulfil.’’

Omar travels the world to buy the finest material for his handmade bags, only the highest quality meaning that there are only 25 of each model made, making the bags somewhat u n i q u e . Every bag is distinguishable from the next due to the careful detail of Omar’s work. Within his company, Omar has the opportunity to provide up and coming young designers with a place to showcase their work by holding the occasional fashion show at his atelier. He invites fashion students to exhibit their designs while a trusty employee provides a musical backdrop to the events. In Holland Omar’s bags have been a great success, but with his launch in London imminent I wonder, what are his thoughts on British fashion? ‘’I think London is one the world’s premier fashion centres with its many designers. You can see that people are careful with extravagant fashion, of course you see people with out going clothes but in London it’s more thought out and I love to see that.’’ As I end my interview with the talented, young, Somali Designer I ask if he finds time for projects outside the fashion world ‘‘I always make some time supporting charities, such as the Aids Fund.’’ Amazed that he can find the time to do anything extra curricular I make my way home, hoping that in years to come there will be many more success stories like Omar Munie’s.