Nsimba Valene

26/05/2026

SOULSEARCHING 💭 No. 18 — More feeling, less proving

24/05/2026

Dreaming of a new way of life: with the feeling of a new sun rising. Bold, alive, joyful, daring, and full of stories and meaning.

Excited to help shape this new global expression of Vlisco, reimagining an archive of 180 years through new perspectives, beauty, vibrant energy, and contemporary expression.

Starting with Silk Stories, a first glimpse into the new universe we are building

Visualised together with the talented (Enjoyed every moment back under the Ghanaian sun)

🌞

“Maybe beauty is not escapism. Maybe it’s how we keep imagining better worlds.”

10/05/2026

I’m not dreaming.

I visited the MoMu Antwerp bookshop and saw my book there. In that space. In that institution.

My love for fashion did not just grow for how it makes us look, but for what it means, what it reflects, and what it can shape culturally, creatively, and emotionally, therefore spaces like this are the dream.

My friend, who joined me, said:
“Stop time and realize where you are.”

And he was right.
Because this is not small.

To have your book inside one of the most respected fashion museums and institutions already means something. But to see it there while visiting the historic Antwerp Six exhibition? That makes it even more surreal.

The Antwerp Six changed fashion history. They changed the way the world looked at Belgian fashion, creativity, and storytelling. Their impact still shapes generations. So to witness my own work existing within that same cultural space, in this moment in time, honestly feels unreal.

Fashion is changing. Culture is changing. The stories we tell matter. And today, my personal story and perspective found their place on this table. Not many people get to experience this. And the craziest part? I’m only at the beginning. So much to learn. So much left to create. And still so many beautiful stories waiting to be shared. 📕

Somewhere between gratitude, disbelief, and ambition… this moment will stay with me forever.

🩵🩵

01/05/2026

Dressing, unlearning, reshaping, researching.

28/11/2019

— my style story in the latest ELLE magazine. Inspired by my mom and my first trip to Congo, Kinshasa 🇨🇩

02/10/2019

— The news is out! I wrote my first piece for Oneworld.nl. A personal search to sustainable make-up for all shades, combined with new perspectives and facts about the industry. Find out more in the latest issue ✨ https://bit.ly/2nIhrv7

02/10/2019

First event as Meer dan Modemeisje: Co-organized the first screening of Black Girl Church in Amsterdam, a documentary about the relationship black women have with their beauty and the beauty supply stores. As part of the event I moderated a Meer dan Modemeisje paneltalk (means 'more than a fashion girl' in Dutch).

I got in conversation with Stephanie Afrifa (art curator), Munganyende (social commentator), Amanda Rijf (master mua), Charlene Meijnaar (beauty entrepreneur).

Introducing Meer dan Modemeisje as a female focused content, branding & community salon missioned to create more sisterhood within the Dutch beauty and fashion landscape.

Photography by Xyvonne Koeiman for OSCAM

24/09/2019

— Discover some fun facts about me and get inspired to shop new styles in the Issue . Now at (AlbertHeijn) stores ✨

24/09/2019

— It’s been a bit silence on this page, but while I was wrapping up some important projects I also focused on doing nothing. I realized that it was time for me to break the cycle of busyness as it has been carried across generations of African women in my family, in an unhealthy way. And imagine also being part of a Burn out generation who wants to work all the time. Learning to embrace the art of doing nothing and not having to be a “strong black woman” isn’t easy but actually made me feel like a real boss again. Meer over dit en helemaal niks (willen) doen, lees je in mijn column ✨ https://www.glamour.nl/mind/psyche/a29098684/column-meer-dan-een-modemeisje-art-of-doing-nothing/

Je kunt nog steeds een baas zijn, als je even 'helemaal niks doet'

09/09/2019

Black Girl Church Amsterdam was magical ✨— and SOLD OUT! It was an honor to co-organise this event, be your host, moderate the panel and witness the power of sisterhood. Inspired by all the women and rolemodels who came to this space: so much love and support. Up to the next one 🇱🇺 . I’m also back to sharing more of my journey as a founder and brand consultant with a divers portofolio of projects and interests. You can expect more magic with Libaya and another chapter as a brand director inspired by Africa. Besides the making of my personal brand as someone who aims to influence more sisterhood within the Dutch fashion and beauty sphere: more writing, more talking and more consulting. Time to bring this fb page back to life ✨