Born in Louisiana of African descent, HASANI (“handsome” in Swahili) showcases bold and unique colorways and sophisticated contrasts in men’s and women’s luxury wear. HASANI is heavily influenced by “Vogue Africa” aesthetics and the concepts of integrating African culture with high fashion.

Who is Hasani?
Hasani Shujaa, the man, is a designer from Louisiana whose passion for menswear and the desire to see black luxury in fashion inspired him to create HASANI, the brand, a luxury fashion brand specializing in custom suits, jackets, and other menswear. We offer ready-made products as well.

Why did you create it?
I’m a huge hip-hop fan. I remember listening to artist after artist put so much value on European designer brands. So many times, these brands would spit directly in our faces. They clearly didn’t want people who looked like “us” in their designs. I want hip-hop to be proud of supporting something black-owned. I wanted black to be synonymous with luxury. I felt there was a need for a black existence/brand in luxury fashion. So I began exploring that concept, which developed into a clothing line. 

model @survivalofthecreatives

Describe your clothing brand/fashion house?
I make clothes for everyone and every occasion. I’m genuinely inspired by all people, races, genders, and backgrounds. However, my biggest inspiration is the “Vogue Africa” aesthetic. Everyone needs to see themselves depicted as beautiful and royalty. It’s definitely clothing for special occasions or the very stylish gentleman.

What impact do you want your brand to have on the fashion world?
One of my biggest inspirations, Virgil Abloh, impacted fashion by merging streetwear with luxury wear. So likewise, I want to integrate culture and luxury fashion as one. Culture is something we should celebrate with esteem. I want to captivate audiences with color and innovation. Culture isn’t based on race. Culture is what you do and how you do it based on where you’re from.

How’s the experience been growing it?
You learn the value of hard work and persistence by building a brand. My faith in myself and my creativity has been tested in many ways. I’ve studied many famous brands and realized most of them don’t “pop” until about 10 years. I’m on year 6 now, so I’ve got a few more to go until I’ve invested the bare minimum. I’ve also met many people I never would’ve crossed paths with outside of fashion. I’ve had the privilege to interact with designers and models from other countries who share the same heartbeat for style.

Model @SageMichael_

What’s something you wish you had known before starting?
Only try to do some things. Delegate tasks to other professionals so you can relax and allocate time to your creativity. Also, how to utilize business loans/grants. I funded my business out of pocket for years until I knew about available business financing. I would also have built my personal brand more before starting a business. As a black business owner, I think our community is just beginning to realize these tricks and tidbits.

What’s next for Hasani?
I have a woman’s collection coming this fall! It’s called “Le Jardin D’Eden” (The Garden of Eden). We’re pre-staging the first wave of promotional campaigns. It’s exciting to see it all come together! It’s my most extensive project to date. I have an entire staff and a diverse group of creatives I collaborated with. I’m confident a lot of people are gonna love it!

IG @Hasanishujaa
Website: Shophasani.com
Facebook: HASANI SHUJAA