Fatuma wears the Urafiki High Waisted pants in size 14 ($215)

Everyday Muses is a celebration of our versatile, classic high waisted pants and the diverse community of women who wear them. The last year taught us just how dynamic our wardrobes can be. With our lives constantly changing – in and out of lockdowns – we learnt the importance of versatility in our wardrobes. We want our wardrobe building blocks – the pieces we rely on again and again – to move effortlessly from weekdays to weekends, varied in silhouettes, colour and fabrics.

At Collective Closets, we want to help you find your perfect pants. Designed for comfort, ease and style, our Amani Culotte pants and Urafiki High Waisted pants are crafted from breathable, durable fabrics. These are pants that move with you – from desk to dinner, lunch breaks to pram strolls, nights out to lazy mornings in. These cult favourites celebrate and champion the female form – and through our Tailor It service, we can help you find the pants that feel like they were made for you. Meet our Everyday Muses.

Fatuma wears the Amani Culotte pants in size 14 ($220) and Muzuki Crop Top in size L ($170)

Today, we're spending a day with Collective Closets' Co-founder, Fatuma Ndenzako.

A sister, daughter, mother, wife and business owner, Fatuma's life is ever-moving and endlessly dynamic – just like her wardrobe. Juggling mum duties, running a business with sister Laurinda and maintaining dinner plans isn't always easy – but as Fatuma says, "I'm excited for the possibilities that are opening up for us."

Wearing both our Amani Culottes and Urafiki High Waisted pants, Fatuma chooses pieces that make her feel confident, secure, effortlessly stylish and comfortable. We joined her for a morning at the markets, picking up flowers, fruit and popping into her second home – the Collective Closets store.

Fatuma wears the Urafiki High Waisted pants in size 14 ($215) and Jua Shirt Dress in size L (worn open) ($250)

Could you tell us a little about what you do?

I’m Fatuma, I’m first and foremost a mum to my sweet little boy Arlo; I’m a wife and the Co-owner of Collective Closets. I handle production, day-to-day store management, long-term strategy and some of the financing of the business.

Could you talk us through what your day to day routine looks like?

It starts by making breakfast for the family and putting on a record (Arlo is music obsessed). I then open up the store, look at sales reports, check orders and production timelines and patterns for the coming season. Always most than three things at once, I'm a chronic multitasker! This is followed by lunch, coffee and always contemplation about future dinner plans.

Fatuma wears the Urafiki High Waisted pants in size 14 ($215) and Jua Shirt Dress in size L (worn open) ($250)

Describe your fashion sense in 3 words?

It's more than three words but: on the go, bold colour and always with a sneaker (although I wish it was a heel more often).

What do you love most about our pants?

I love the structure of the high waisted pants, they’re perfect for all outfits in my wardrobe. I love them with a crop top and heels or with a sneaker and easy button-down. I’m what I’d describe as 'pear-shaped', and these pants hold everything in and give me more of a waist.

With the culottes, they’re perfect for a strong look with a matching top. They’re super comfortable and hide the bits I don’t love as much. I love the drama of the wider pants and the thick waistband makes me feel secure and held in. Also everyone loves a pant with a pocket! For a mum on the go, a pocket is essential.

Fatuma wears the Amani Culotte pants in size 14 ($220) and Muzuki Crop Top in size L ($170)

What do you want your style to say about you?

I want my style to say that I’m confident, that I know what I’m doing and I’m stylish – but don’t take myself too seriously. I want my wardrobe to work for my body shape and be flattering to me.

What are your go-to wardrobe staples?

​Both our pants, a smock dress and the Radical Yes x Collective Closets North Star Mini bag.

Use one word to describe how you feel in our pants.

Confident!

Fatuma wears the Amani Culotte pants in size 14 ($220) and Muzuki Crop Top in size L ($170)

What’s your International Women’s Day message?

As a woman, I feel really lucky for us to be where we are right now – particularly for women of colour. It feels nice to be heard, even though there’s still a lot of work to do. I’m excited that the possibilities are opening for us. Though it’s not always easy, I feel we’re more empowered than ever before.