Ntare Edwin David is the creative mind behind the blooming streetwear brand famously known as Motley Minds. His fashion brand is a product of Kampala’s vibrant and wild energy. His journey began in the humble home of his grandmother who during his early childhood filled his world with the rhythm of her sewing machine. While his mother lived in the UK his grandmother raised him with a profound appreciation for the craft of tailoring. “I grew up watching her sew with her hands which ignited my interest for tailoring and design,” he recalls.
This early exposure coupled with his inborn creativity laid the foundation for his future endeavors. . “I was about 7 years old when my brother and I got flannel shirts. I liked my brother’s shirt more than I liked mine, but I couldn’t have it because it was bigger. It is at that point that I made a promise to myself that I would learn how to make clothes so I could make everything I wanted to wear. And I stuck to that promise.” This unwavering determination drives his creative process and allows him to explore the intersection of art and fashion.
His passion for the arts blossomed in school and he was inclined to take on subjects such as drawing, painting, and sketching. After completing secondary education, Ntare pursued formal training at YMCA Art School where he specialized in Fashion and Design. This period provided him with the desired technical skills and theoretical knowledge that enabled him to transform his creative vision into a reality.
The COVID-19 pandemic which was a period of global uncertainty for many catalyzed Ntare’s entrepreneurial spirit. Like many people due to the pandemic, he was confined to his home where he seized the opportunity to experiment with upcycling, transforming discarded denim into unique, functional pieces. “That was an era where I got the time to really start working on my own ideas and creating small pieces out of denim like small funny bags,” he explains. He carefully deconstructed old jeans and shirts eventually breathing new life into them and refining his skills in the process.
Following the lockdown, Ntare immersed himself in the details of dressmaking, pattern-making, and the business side of fashion thereby gaining invaluable experience working as a tailor. This practical experience when combined with his artistic background provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. As luck may have it, he was given the opportunity to showcase his designs in a runway show organized by UNDP at Makerere University. This experience solidified his commitment to building his own brand, leading him to transition to part-time work before ultimately dedicating himself fully to Motley Minds.
Motley Minds, his brainchild, is a testament to this philosophy. The brand’s name itself reflects His belief in the beauty of diversity and the power of collective creativity. The brand produces slow fashion streetwear which draws inspiration from the organized chaos of Kampala’s streets, the rebellious spirit of rock ‘n’ roll and skate culture, and the innovative designs of New York fashion and Raf Simons.
“The pieces represent the organized chaos of the city, where it might seem chaotic at first sight, but there’s beauty and order to be found behind the chaos if you take your time to truly appreciate and take it in,” Ntare explains. This unique perspective is translated into garments that are both visually striking and conceptually rich.
Motley Minds primarily focuses on jackets and bags, crafted from upcycled denim and leather. Each piece is a unique expression of Ntare’s vision, with patterns that symbolize the diverse threads of society woven together to create something beautiful. His debut collection, “Genesis,” is a powerful statement of intent, dominated by blue shades that represent hope and new beginnings.
Ntare is a strong advocate for sustainable fashion, recognizing the environmental impact of the industry. “Motley Minds is a slow fashion brand in the sense that our goal is to not mass produce, but rather to make fewer pieces with higher value that people will appreciate for longer,” he asserts. He sources all his fabrics from thrift stores, giving discarded materials a second life and minimizing waste.
He is acutely aware of the challenges facing the Ugandan fashion industry, particularly the lack of awareness regarding textile waste and the prevalence of a disposable fashion culture. He hopes to use Motley Minds as a platform to educate and inspire, demonstrating that sustainable practices are both viable and essential.
While still in its early stages, Motley Minds has a clear vision for the future. Ntare dreams of collaborating with other designers and giving back to his community through workshops and educational initiatives. His desire wants to empower others to embrace upcycling and creative expression.
Ntare is also passionate about fostering a more inclusive and diverse creative landscape in Uganda. He laments about the lack of appreciation for the country’s rich artistic heritage and calls for greater support for young artists. He believes that by embracing diversity and fostering collaboration, Uganda can establish itself as a vibrant hub for art and fashion.
Ntare’s mindset is one of creative independence, and he advocates for artists to find their own path. “We believe in the idea or staying in your lane. Comparison is a plague for the artist, and it can really slow down the creative process if you spend energy comparing your art with others instead of focusing on creating something you believe in.” He values inspiration, while discouraging plagiarism. He understands that nothing is truly new, but that an individual’s “taste” is what sets them apart.
Ntare Edwin David is not just creating clothing but crafting a narrative that celebrates individuality, sustainability, and the boundless potential of Ugandan creativity.
