Telling African stories through ready-to-wear fashion
As the continent commemorates Africa Month this May, Public Sector Manager magazine features the work of Dorcas Mutombo – a Congolese-born fashion designer and creative director based in Cape Town.
Her label, Emelia D, is a ready-to-wear brand grounded in storytelling, craftsmanship and intentional design. Each piece reflects Mutombo’s multidisciplinary creative background, where fashion becomes both narrative and art form.
“As a Congolese living in South Africa, the celebration of Africa Month holds a deeply personal meaning. It represents not only where I come from, but also the journey of growth and belonging I have experienced on this continent. Living here has given me the opportunity to meet and connect with people from across Africa, and through them, I have learned so much about our diverse cultures, shared histories and the beauty within our differences,” she said.
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.
- Orange dress (made of wool mohair):R6 000
- Green dress (cotton satin with hand-made flowers): R4 800
- Green shirt with beads: R3 500
- Satin Floral jacket: R30 000
- White sunflower dress (cotton satin): R2 000
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.
Scan the QR code for more information.
www.emeliad.com You can also WhatsApp
her on 061 114 1183 or follow her on
Instagram and TikTok @emelia_dorcas Emelia D
videos & photos
