Nicknamed ‘The Girl with Big Earrings’, by her schoolmates at Maryhill High School, Adrine Ampurire’s early sense of style soaked in unique Jewellery and clothing finally blossomed into a career in Fashion
Adrine grew up in a middle-class family in Kitwe, Uganda. As a child, she remembers enjoying weekly market days, a cherished ritual in their family. Going to these market days every Monday instilled in her a love for fashion and style. Her mother and sisters played a pivotal role in shaping Adrine’s creative vision.
While sketching clothes in an art book throughout her school years, Adrine dreamt of a career in the arts, but societal expectations initially led her towards a business degree and she earned it!
Despite a successful career in business administration, the creative fire within Adrine burned bright. The urge to design clothes she could envision herself wearing on stage never faded. Finally, in 2019, with the support of her family, Adrine took a leap of faith. She enrolled in fashion school, driven by a desire to translate her imagination into reality.
Are Adrine’s designs ethical?
All her design life, Adrine has been focused on creating functional, wearable fashion pieces that minimize waste. During her time in fashion school, Adrine collaborated with tailors, using fabric offcuts to craft unique, one-of-a-kind garments. This was her first contribution to the environment and learning to work with minimal resources.
Additionally, she strives to create designs that are timeless and versatile, encouraging long-term wear and minimizing the need for fast fashion. By focusing on classic silhouettes and high-quality craftsmanship, Adrine ensures that the garments she produces continue to have value in a wardrobe, reducing the cycle of consumption.
Her recent collection– Omurungi Top
The Omurungi Top features a high-low silhouette designed to flatter and conceal the midsection while providing ultimate comfort. This top is inspired by the needs of Women in Western Uganda who are often curvier and prefer not to draw too much attention to their body shape. This piece offers both ease and style. It allows them to embrace comfort without compromising on fashion. Adrine is deeply committed to empowering women through fashion. Her brand, Adaline Wardrobe Haven, offers unique and stylish pieces that allow women to express their individuality.
“Fashion, for me, is about creating pieces that are functional, unique and can transcend the moment”. Says Adrine “ Styles that are both aspirational and accessible, making every wearer feel seen, confident, and extraordinary.”
Collaboration and Community Impact
In 2024, Adrine partnered with Lucky Nation to support young women in the Nebbi District. Together,they had the privilege of supporting over 85 young women and their babies with clothing and materials for their tailoring classes, empowering them with the resources to develop their skills and improve their livelihoods.
Adrine holds a positive view of the Ugandan Fashion industry. She sees a growing appreciation for locally-made garments and a thriving design scene with increased access to markets.
