Telling African stories through ready-to-wear fashion
In this edition, Public Sector Manager magazine features another installment of ready-to-wear designs that are grounded in storytelling and craftmanship by a Congolese-born fashion designer and creative director, Dorcas Mutombo, who is based in Cape Town.
Her label, Emelia D, reflects Mutombo’s multidisciplinary creative background, where fashion becomes both narrative and art form.
Mutombo’s designs reflect her deep pride in the continent, drawing on its cultural richness, strength, and beauty, while her creative approach is continually inspired by African heritage across fashion, art, and storytelling.
About the designer
Mutombo refined her craft at the Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion in Stellenbosch, where she completed an Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design, building a strong foundation in garment construction, textiles and conceptual design.
She launched her label, Emelia D, in 2019, during her second year of study, later relaunching the brand in 2022, with a renewed creative vision. Beyond fashion design, Mutombo is also a qualified photographer and contributes behind the scenes as an assistant stylist.
Her rising influence in the industry was cemented when she was named the winner of the South African Fashion Week Scouting Menswear Competition on 25 April 2026.
1. Knitted cotton coat: R20 000 2. Knitted cotton jersey: R11 000
3. Felted jacket: R4 300 4. Floral set: R9 200
You can also WhatsApp her on 061 114 1183 or follow her on Instagram and TikTok @emelia_dorcas Emelia D