Italian designer who packed her bags and relocated to Tanzania

By Anganile Mwakyanjala

One day in Milan, Italian fashion designer Guia Martinotti decided to pack her suitcases and relocate to Tanzania with her young son, leaving Italy for good. After working in London, New York, and Paris with big brands such as Prada, Tom Ford, and Alberta Ferretti, five years later she shares with our correspondent why she decided to settle in Tanzania, where she has founded her clothing brand, Noor Tribe.

 Noor is an Arabic name; why did you choose to name your brand Noor, and what does it mean?

Noor means light, and it is the name that I chose for myself as my second name. It's a name that inspires me.

If you wanted to brag about all the good things about Milan to a person who had never been there, what would you tell him or her?

Milan is so special, but it has a very fast life. People are always working, so for business, it's amazing. Italy, in general, has the best food, the best clothes, and the best cars and fashion brands. Italians love design and attention to detail.

What prompted you to relocate from Italy to Tanzania?

I have always loved Africa. I have been coming since I was a little kid; my mom is a Kenyan citizen, and I visited Tanzania, I think, 20 years ago in Arusha. Years later, I went to Zanzibar for a vacation, and I liked it. I decided to move here just like that.

Were you not scared to relocate to a new country thousands of miles away?

I love traveling, and I have been to many countries, so the idea of going to a new country does not scare me. Plus, I love that Tanzania has friendly people who are always ready to help you when you are in trouble, such as if your car gets stuck in the mud and people jump in to help you. Besides the sea, the beaches, and the safari, the people are very nice in this country.

When you were trying to move, did any of your relatives or friends try to stop you?

Many did, but at least it was not my first experience in Africa, so it was not a shock. Of course, living in a new country is different, but I adapted and got into the vibe really quickly.

Where did you decide to settle in Tanzania: Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Zanzibar?

I settled in Dar es Salaam. I have kids, so I was also looking for a good school, and I chose a good American school in Dar, where my kids go. I love Arusha, but I also love the sea, which is also why I chose Dar es Salaam.

How was it at first to transition and get used to the new way of life?

I struggle sometimes when I go back to Europe and things are moving too fast there. When I get back here, I have to readjust my pace.

In the five years you have been here, what have been some of the most memorable times?

Business-wise, I got this new thing called "Noor Tribe", Though I have been in fashion for 20 years, I have never designed, so Tanzania gave me a chance to do my first fashion show and to pick myself up again with the new challenge. Even with my experience, this is totally new. I managed to go to the Tanzania Fashion Festival. It was my first experience. It helped launch my fashion business at Swahili Fashion Week last year.

You have been in the fashion industry for 20 years; where did you work and who are you working with?

I have worked for companies like Alberta Ferretti, Gianfranco Ferré, and Prada in Milan. I have worked in Milan, London, New York, and Paris. I took a break for five years when I had my first kid, then I started working with Tom Ford.

Now that you have "Noor Tribe," what is so special that made you want to design in Tanzania?

With Noor Tribe, we want to create a more conscious African brand that can promote Tanzanian designs like the Maasai fabric and introduce them to people across the world that wouldn’t otherwise have known or worn them. I want them to wear Maasai or khaki blazers in London too, and we also give back to our community here in Dar at Malaika Kids orphanage.

Being a mother, a designer, and a businesswoman, how do you make time for everything?

It's hectic, but I am a very active person, and I don’t like being bored, plus kids are not toddlers anymore. They go to school, so everything is just scheduled.

I am sure that in the five years you have been here, you have traveled to several places. Can you tell us about your escapades?

Yes, I love driving, so I have driven several times from Dar es Salaam to Arusha and Moshi. I have been to Morogoro, Kilwa, and Zanzibar. I know Zanzibar very well. I think I have been to every corner. My daughter, who is 17 years old, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro two months ago. They travel a lot with her school; they have been to Iringa, Mt. Meru, etc. I have been to Lushoto. It is really beautiful; I didn’t expect to see such beautiful waterfalls, and it is really cold; it's not "sweater cold" but "heavy-jacket cold."

You went to Lushoto for the waterfalls and trekking; does that kind of bring you peace?

Yes, you asked me if I needed creative breaks, so usually when I go on these kinds of trips, I switch off my phone and am not with many people, maybe just my kids. I like to take some time alone with nature and recharge.

You love Arusha by night; can you tell us a little about it, and how was the experience?

Don’t ask me about the names of the places, but I enjoyed several places I went to, and I met a few big Tanzanian rappers who took me around clubs. In general, I love music, and while here, I started to love Afrobeats, and I’m obsessed with Amapiano. I love music because it has the power to lift your spirit.

Have you been on a safari?

I have been on safari many times, but not recently. Now my next big wish is to go visit Lake Tanganyika to see the chimpanzees. I think it's around Kigoma; that’s the next trip I would really like to go on.

So how was that experience for your kids when they got to travel and see all the wildlife for the first time?

My kids love it here; they are very happy for the opportunity. Africa is in their hearts, for sure.