John Mark Mukasa is a fashion designer, the founder and CEO of Senkulu House of Fashion and co-founder of ORM Streetwear. He is a Christian, a father, a husband, an art enthusiast, a basketball fan, and an avid reader. However, it’s his role as a fashion designer, that truly defines his creative spirit and contribution to the Ugandan fashion landscape. Mukasa isn’t just designing clothes; his work is about preserving culture, promoting sustainability, and contemporary style to create a unique and impactful presence in the industry.
His journey into fashion began in 2012 when he enrolled in a Textile and Clothing Technology degree program. This experience opened his eyes to the world of design and garment construction, sparking a passion that would soon become his career. While he appreciated the technical skills he acquired, he felt a deeper calling to create something more meaningful, something that reflected his identity as a Ugandan and an African. This desire led him on a path of research, exploring Ugandan cultural design elements, body shapes and fabrics, which he now masterfully incorporates into his work.
John Mark Mukasa started his work from his Mother’s living room, honed his tailoring skills and built a loyal clientele. As his reputation grew, he moved to a dedicated space in Kampala city center, expanding his operations and solidifying his presence in the fashion scene. However, he felt a growing disconnect between simply executing designs inspired by external sources and creating truly original pieces that spoke to his heritage. This pivotal moment spurred him to delve into his cultural roots, seeking inspiration from the rich tapestry of Ugandan traditions.
This exploration culminated in the creation of two distinct brands: ‘Senkulu House of Fashion and ORM Streetwear. Senkulu House of Fashion offers bespoke tailoring services for suits, bridal gowns, and dresses, catering to clients seeking high-quality, custom-made garments’says Mukasa, ‘ORM Streetwear, on the other hand, represents a more experimental and culturally infused approach. This brand produces ready-to-wear African authentic clothing and haute couture pieces designed for runway shows’
ORM Streetwear beautifully fuses international design trends with traditional African elements, most notably the use of barkcloth, a material uniquely Ugandan and deeply symbolic.
Mukasa’s most recent collection with ORM Streetwear, “Bark to the Roots,” marks a significant milestone for the brand. This collection, crafted entirely from barkcloth, celebrates the unique heritage of this fabric and its inherent sustainability. Harvested from the bark of the Mutuba tree, barkcloth is a renewable resource that allows for repeated harvesting without harming the tree. This commitment to sustainable practices is a core value for Mukasa, who believes in responsible and environmentally conscious fashion.
In his Career journey, Mukasa has collaborated with designers both locally and internationally, recognizing the mutual benefits of shared resources, expanded market reach, and cross-pollination of artistic ideas. His co-founder of ORM Streetwear is Trevor Kaye, a British designer currently working in Uganda.
When asked about the challenges and opportunities that designers in Uganda face during collaboration, Mukasa acknowledged the potential benefits of collaboration such as, shared costs of production, exposure to new markets, exposure to new art disciplines and highlights that the challenges are usually minor when compared to the opportunities.
Sustainability and ethical practices are deeply ingrained in Mukasa’s creative process. Beyond the use of barkcloth, he minimizes waste by utilizing offcuts to create other items, such as pouf chairs. His business also offers reuse and repair services, encouraging clients to extend the lifespan of their clothing and reduce textile waste.
Furthermore, Mukasa actively engages in community outreach by hosting periodic internship programs for aspiring designers and participating in fashion show events such as Afri art Fashion show,She Bang and ekikumba Fashion fusion that raise awareness about sustainable practices and other important social issues.
He carries a lot of enthusiasm for the future of art and fashion in Uganda. He sees a dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape, filled with talented creatives emerging in various fields. He believes that the industry is becoming more accessible, offering opportunities for those with passion and drive.
He notes that the increasing professionalism of photographers, models, and fashion schools, contribute to the overall growth and sophistication of the industry. He feels the industry is ripe with opportunities for those willing to contribute and innovate.
Also,he views the Ugandan art and fashion industry as a space that is constantly being shaped and redefined by the individuals who participate in it. His observation has been that the industry has previously been driven by a survival mentality, with many entrepreneurs focusing on personal gain rather than contributing to the growth and development of the sector as a whole. However, he senses a shift in this mindset, with a growing number of creatives recognizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and ethical practices.
Mukasa believes that there is nothing new under the sun but true uniqueness arises from the fusion of diverse backgrounds and experiences. He highlights that Re-imagining costumes made from other countries by Ugandan designers gives a new product once a designer uses other material alternatives and design elements such as cowrie shells, sisal, and bark cloth. This fusion of cultures and materials creates something entirely new and distinctly Ugandan.
John Mark Mukasa is more than just a fashion designer; he’s a cultural ambassador, a sustainability advocate, and a community builder. He’s using his creative talents to not only design beautiful and unique clothing but also to promote Ugandan heritage, empower local communities, and contribute to a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
