CELEBRATING COMMUNITY THROUGH HAIR: THANDIWE MURIU'S HOLIDAY 2024 COLLECTION WITH ORIBE

words and interview by AÏCHA PILMEYER 

Each year, Oribe celebrates the holiday season with a special collaboration. This year, they’ve partnered with Kenyan fine art photographer Thandiwe Muriu to design the packaging for six limited-edition gift sets in the Holiday Timeless Traditions 2024 Collection. Rooted in her African heritage, Muriu’s work captures the joy of community and togetherness, inspired by the African saying: “When your sister does your hair, you do not need a mirror.”

For Muriu, hair is more than just a style—it’s a powerful expression of connection and self-identity. Growing up, she watched her mother’s transformation while getting her hair done, which inspired her to bring that sense of warmth and support to this collection. “We chose warm, vibrant colors to evoke feelings of community and the nurturing bonds we form through the simple act of doing each other’s hair.” Numéro Netherlands had the honour of speaking with her to learn more about the inspiration behind her work.

Your collaboration with Oribe centres around the saying, "When your sister does your hair, you do not need a mirror." Why did you choose this proverb, and what does it mean to you?

In Kenya, hair is culturally a communal event. When a woman gets her hair done, she sits at the heart of a semicircle of women who braid her hair together. While they plait, she relies on the honesty and affirmation of the other clients as they collectively decide on hair length, colour and styling. Strangers quickly become friends through the shared act of helping one another look their best.

In my time with Oribe, I realised it was more than a brand—it felt like a family. Just like in Kenyan culture, Oribe brings people together around the experience of hair styling and helping people look their best. The proverb reflects this communal sense of hair styling both at Oribe and back home, showing how hair can connect people and inspire creativity.

Community is central to your work and Oribe’s philosophy. In a world that can feel disconnected, what can African traditions teach us about building strong communities?

Central to my worldview is the African proverb “I am because you are,” which shows how connected our identities are. My sense of self comes from my relationships; without them, culture and belonging can’t truly exist—if I am isolated, I cannot flourish.In African traditions, there is a deep sense of care and support that helps communities thrive. This cycle—where we care for each other and are cared for in return—reminds me of my responsibility to both my ancestors and the generations that will follow. By embracing this interconnectedness, we can create strong, resilient communities that thrive together, even in tough times. To me, community means belonging and sharing experiences with those who walk through life with you—people who understand and support you.

I heard you mentioned how Kenya’s traditional beauty and hair culture is fading under Western influence. How has this tension influenced your creative process?

From an early age, I developed a fascination with Kenya’s historical approaches to hair and beauty, which has significantly influenced my creative process. I often draw inspiration from our rich heritage of traditional hairstyles, with the aim of modernising them and keeping them relevant to today.

I am also passionate about exploring and celebrating “unconventional” beauty narratives in my art. For example, in my culture, a woman with a gap in her teeth is considered exceptionally beautiful. Unfortunately, this view is changing because of Western influences. By intentionally featuring such traits in my work, I aim to challenge mainstream beauty standards and honour the unique aesthetics of my heritage.

With the holiday season bringing people together, how can we embrace this idea to build a stronger sense of community and support each other?

One of the simplest ways to strengthen our sense of community is by seeing the people and moments that often go unnoticed. Simple acts of kindness, like greeting someone we wouldn’t typically acknowledge, complimenting an outfit, or sharing a smile, can help build connections and strengthen our community spirit.

These small gestures create opportunities for interaction and kindness, turning the ordinary into something special. By embracing the idea that helping one another look and feel our best can lead to deeper connections, we can create a supportive environment that enriches our lives and the lives of those around us.

You’ve created two vibrant textile patterns for this collection with Oribe: Strands of History and A Cycle of Togetherness. What’s the story and meaning behind these designs, and what inspired you to create them?

In designing "A Cycle of Togetherness," I was inspired by the unique curl pattern of type 4C hair, which represents the hair of my community in Kenya. The ovals incorporated into the pattern symbolise the letter "O," reflecting Oribe Canales and visually connecting him to the pattern. The extending lines from the ovals represent strands of hair, emphasising the significance of hair in our culture.For "Strands of History," I drew inspiration from the bottle shape of Oribe’s Curl Gloss Hydration & Hold product, celebrating how Oribe enhances the beauty of hair and elevates how individuals feel when using their products. Both patterns are filled with personal and cultural meaning, honouring the narratives surrounding hair and community

The end of the year is a time for celebration. What are your Timeless traditions?

There is one holiday tradition that I don’t think I will ever give up: Christmas breakfast. Growing up, my mother would save up all year to buy a small jar of Nutella, which we would eagerly open on Christmas morning to enjoy with a delicious piece of toast. This simple yet meaningful tradition has become a hallmark of our holiday celebrations—to this day, Christmas morning wouldn’t feel complete without that taste of Nutella, symbolising the joy and warmth of family.

Discover the Oribe Holiday 2024 Timeless Traditions collection, with the vibrant, beautifully designed packaging—perfect for gifting under your Christmas tree here.