DES MOINES, Iowa — It sounds like a story out of Hollywood, but it’s happening right here in Iowa. A fashion designer landing a collaboration with one of the world’s largest fashion retailers. But for Belange Mutunda, fashion wasn’t something that she even considered as a career.  

“I didn’t know the term fashion design because like back then, honestly in my country, fashion was not a thing,” said Mutunda.

While growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, she found her love for design after one of her classmates noticed her creations and wanted their own pieces. 

“She brought me, I think it was like a blouse, like a leopard print. I made a handbag for her. She went home, her sister loved it, and brought me more clothes. And then the next thing you know everybody at school started bringing me clothes and I started making handbags, backpacks, like literally anything,” said Mutunda.

Inspiring her to look at design as a career path, rather than just a hobby, and launch her business, Belange Handmade, with only $10.

“The $10 that she gave me, was like my first sale, but also my capital,” said Mutunda.  

Looking to study fashion, Belange considered moving to places like Bejing, China, or the global fashion capital, France, to pursue her dream. 

But her family discovered DMACC, and Mutunda instantly thought, “Des Moines, well that is a French name, maybe they speak French there, okay maybe.” Only to find out, “Nobody spoke French, I didn’t meet anybody who spoke French!”

Soon, she found Iowa to be home. She studied fashion design and merchandising at DMACC, got her bachelor’s degree in apparel at Iowa State, and then moved to New York City for her master’s degree at LIM College, only to end up back at Iowa State, working towards her Ph.D. 

“Iowa has been my second home away from my home country. So, I was like, okay, I think I belong there. I need to go back,” said Mutunda.

It was then that Mutunda looked for ways to grow her business by collaborating with other brands and getting involved with the Shein X Designer Incubator program, which allows smaller designers to have their creations mass-produced.  

“It just went from there. Like I submitted sketches, I designed all my brains, and then we went to production. I got my first sample. It was so exciting to see all my, like my sketches, coming to life,” said Mutunda.

And in September of 2023, her first collection went live with SHEIN, starting with four pieces, and growing from there, with each piece giving a nod to home.

“My inspiration comes from my country, so I always try to incorporate my African roots in all my designs,” said Mutunda.  

Incorporating vibrant colors and floral prints, with modern silhouettes and fabrics, to create one-of-a-kind, ready-to-wear pieces now worn all around the world. A humbling experience that Mutunda says still comes with pinch-me moments.  

“After ten years, I would say if like younger me would see what I’m doing now, she would be so surprised. Sometimes, it gives me chills. When I am designing, I’m like, yeah, I am designing for Shein, and then I’m like, wait. I am designing for Shein!” said Mutunda.  

And she’s using her skills behind the sketchbook to give back, donating a percentage of revenue from her business to help women back home.

“In 2021, I started a nonprofit where I help low-income women in my home country get access to period supplies, to help fight period poverty,” she said. “So, seeing my designs going places, it’s like you’re adding one piece to a closet, but you’re also giving something to another woman.” 

Her time collaborating with SHEIN is far from over, as WHO 13 was able to get a sneak peek of what’s to come.  

“I finished working on my spring and summer 2025 collection three weeks ago. The designs are currently being approved. They’re currently making samples, so I can’t wait to see them,” said Mutunda.

Making her mark on the fashion world, from right here in Iowa.

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