Anita Beryl is a Ugandan fashion designer, couturier, and entrepreneur known for her work in the African fashion industry. As the creative director of Beryl Couture, a Ugandan fashion house, she has contributed to the development of both local and international fashion. Her work has gained attention for its integration of traditional African elements with contemporary fashion trends, and she has dressed several high-profile individuals across the continent.

She was born to Reverend and Mrs. Ahabwe in Bushenyi district, Uganda, a firstborn of six children. Beryl attended Bweranyangyi Girls School for both her O-level and A-level education, completing her studies there in 2005. She then pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Education at Uganda Christian University, Mukono, graduating in 2009.

Despite her initial academic focus on education, Beryl was drawn to fashion, leading her to seek formal training in the field. She received her first fashion education at Uber Glam, a fashion school in Johannesburg, South Africa, followed by advanced studies at the French Fashion University, ESMOD. These institutions provided her with foundational skills in design, which she later applied in her professional work.

In 2011, Anita Beryl founded Beryl Couture, a fashion label that offers haute couture and ready-to-wear clothing. The brand is recognized for its detailed craftsmanship and use of luxurious materials, blending African and modern fashion influences. Beryl Couture quickly became a recognized name in Uganda, with its products being sought after for various formal and cultural events.

Beryl Couture’s reputation extended beyond Uganda as it participated in multiple fashion events. Notable among these were Accra Fashion Week in Ghana and Swahili Fashion Week in Tanzania, both in 2016. These events allowed Beryl Couture to gain exposure in regional markets and present its designs to a wider audience.

Anita Beryl’s work has been showcased on international platforms, enhancing her visibility and contributing to her reputation in the global fashion industry. In 2017, she was invited to present her designs at the World Fashion Week in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a significant event that marked her entry into the international fashion scene.

In addition to her participation in World Fashion Week, Beryl has presented her collections in other global cities such as Barcelona and Mombasa, further expanding her brand’s reach. Her involvement in these events reflects her engagement with the international fashion community and the appeal of her designs beyond Uganda.

As a result, she has attracted a diverse clientele. Within Uganda, Beryl has provided designs for notable figures such as Juliana Kanyomozi, Zari Hassan, Flavia Tumusiime, Anita Fabiola, Iryn Namubiru, Minister Phiona Nyamutoro, Barbie Kyagulanyi and model Hannah Karema among others. Her work with these clients highlights her ability to create custom designs that cater to different personal styles and event requirements.

Awards and Recognition

Anita Beryl’s work has been acknowledged through various awards and recognitions. In 2016, she was named one of “The 40 Movers and Shakers” by Satisfashion Uganda, reflecting her influence within the industry. The same year, she received the Outstanding Fashion Designer award at the Uganda Entertainment Awards and was recognized as the Fashion Designer of the Year at the Abryanz Style & Fashion Awards.

In 2017, Beryl was featured on CNN’s “African Voices,” a program that profiles influential figures from across the continent. Additionally, she was awarded the Fashion Designer of the Year at the Pearl of Africa Fashion Awards. Her recognition continued in 2018 when she received the Young Achievers Award in the fashion category and was honoured by the Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs for her contributions to the industry.

Through Beryl Couture, she has contributed to the visibility of Ugandan fashion on international platforms and has participated in fostering a new generation of designers through her example and involvement in the industry. Her work is noted for its integration of African cultural elements with modern design trends, providing a distinct perspective within the global fashion landscape.