ABOUT

Dorcas Mutombo is the Congolese-born designer, founder and creative director behind Emelia D, based in Cape Town. She started the brand in 2019 while studying fashion and relaunched it in 2022. Since then, Emelia D has grown from markets into an award-winning South African label. Her work is shaped by her Congolese roots, colour, craft and the stories people carry with them. Each piece is designed and made in Cape Town. Her work has been featured in publications including Vogue Portugal, Glamour South Africa, GQ South Africa, Business of Fashion, Daily Maverick and OkayAfrica. In 2026, Dorcas won the SA Fashion Week Scouting Menswear Competition. Her message is simple: “Don’t Just Get Dressed – Wear Your Story.” It remains at the heart of Emelia D.