With the growing fashion industry, for any designer to keep their head above water, uniqueness and creativity count, writes Sarah Tumwebaze.

With fabrics called kitoobero, kiss me quick, open your window, chain reaction, jungle fever and percussion sounds, this month's fashion night at Silk Lounge was something to reckon with from the very beginning. The creative designs for both male and female by Chui fashion house blended African and modern inspiration. The audience marvelled as the models confidently took on the catwalk displaying a range from causal smart wear, evening wear, office to wraps (fabric).The Jomayi consultants sponsored night was spiced up by hilarious Mc Rs Elvis whose naughty jokes left guests torn between shock and amusement and entertainment by artiste Desire Luzinda. But for all the fun that night, who is the man behind Chui arts? Herbert Musisi commonly known as Chui is a former lecturer at St Martin's College of Art and design in Britain. He is also the director of Chui Arts at Lugogo. He took some of our questions.

Fashion designer Herbert Musisi at his studio

Why the name Chui?

Chui means leopard in Swahili and I am in love with the patterns on the leopard. I also choose a Swahili name because I love the language and I think it links a lot of countries in East and Central Africa.

Did you always dream of being a fashion designer?

Actually not, I am an artist and my design in fabrics has made me become a fashion designer because after designing, people ask me what they can make out of my fabric, so I thought it wise to join the industry.

Tell me how it all started.

It started in 2000 when I designed something for myself for a friend's party. When I got to there, every one fell in love with my design so I thought it was time for me to start.

What inspires your designs?

Generally, it's the life around me, like the vegetation, wildlife, and anything I find interesting with in my surroundings.

Where do you get your fabric?

I usually buy it from Nytil and at times I import it from China and Kenya. But I try my best to use our local material as a way of pushing the market forward. I also have a printing factory at Lugogo where we do the printing.

What kind of women/men do you design for?

I would say that I mostly design for adults but also try to design for everyone. At times I work with other designers who help in fulfilling whatever design I might have left out.

One of the models

Do you have a favourite piece from your most recent collection?

Not really, since I like each one of them but at the moment, I am mainly focusing on the safari design.

Your fabrics have interesting names, how do you come up with them?

I get them from the prints on the fabric, which prints I gather from my surroundings. All of them are original ideas that I come up with.

Who in your opinion has great style?

I like Mya's(of Blu3) style because its modern and daring. Her style has inspired me to develop something with her. I also think she has a sharp eye for fashion.

What clothing element makes you feel confident?

The colours, style and the fitting of the clothes is what makes me feel confident.

What are your style secrets?

I think it's the mode and how bright I want to look that day. At times, it's the impression I want to give because what you wear speaks volumes about you.

What has been your greatest fashion disaster?

I have realised that men do not like colourful shirts and Ugandan men are not like those in West Africa who will wear a matching shirt and trouser. So whenever I wear them, a friend of mine calls me a pajama boy.

Does your home reflect your style?

Yes it does because I have so many art collections and I have quite a number of fashion books. My children have also followed in my footsteps because my 16 year old daughter Mirembe has come up with her own patterns.

The fashion industry in Uganda is very competitive today, what keeps your brand in the race?

The unique items I have, plus the texture and the fabrics I use.

Any major projects you have worked on?

Yes, I design uniforms for Kabira Club, Speke Resort, Serena Hotel, Protea Hotel and Sports View Hotel.