Showcase Winner: Ochom Eddie Louis

African Talent Leather Design Showcase 2023 Winner: Ochom Eddie Louis

21st November 2023

Ochom Eddie Louis is a costume designer and visual artist from Uganda. From an early age Ochom showed a passion for art, nurtured by the guidance of his uncle who is a skilled painter. His artistic journey continued to flourish throughout his eduation. Ochom graduated from Margaret Trowel School of Industrial and Fine Arts at Makerere University with a first class degree. Following this, Ochom chose to specialise in fashion design. He now works at Naroho Company, a leather goods manufacturer in Kirombe, Uganda, as a creative production manager.

INTERVIEW WITH OCHOM

Tell us about the inspiration behind your project:

Growing up I saw people building and I even stayed in housing made from readily available materials like shrubs, grass, tree bucks and cow dung. These structures made sure the inhabitants were protected from outside attacks and the environment elements. This to us defines the true meaning of the word sustainability.

As a designer from a country with limited economic support and where all your materials are sourced externally you have to look back to your past and see what aspects of design you can borrow to sustain your craft.

This design was inspired by the manyatta homesteads. The aim was to create a design that makes use of discarded leather pieces and cow horn, a waste product from the meat industry. With clever design, these two seemingly wasted materials when put together can create runway worthy products that can be used for a long time.

What has been your experience in working with leather for this competition?

Working with leather is rewarding due to its durability, timeless appeal, and versatility in crafting various products. My experience in working with leather for this competition has been effortless and flexible.

How do you think winning this competition will impact your career as a designer?

I think winning this competition will be a great milestone in my life as a creative and a designer. It’ll help me sustainably reflect on the available raw materials we have in our community, to use them and enhance their beauty and uniqueness.

How has this competition influenced your view of working with leather in the future?

This competition has genuinely helped me not only to see waste from animals as desirable but also to see that we can generate multiple raw materials from them that can be used sustainabily everyday in society, fashion and the world.