BIOGRAPHY

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Inspired by her late mother’s legacy in the fashion industry, Martharine Jabo who hails from Uganda discovered her passion for fashion, art and interior design at an early age, crafting with left over fabrics from her mother’s studio and sketching her ideas into form—an early sign of the creativity that would shape her career.

 

Over the years, Martharine expanded her expertise through independent projects across various design disciplines, earning both local and regional recognition. Determined to deepen her understanding of the global fashion landscape, she relocated to San Francisco to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design at the Academy of Art University. Her time there significantly refined her design sensibilities and broadened her professional perspective. 

 

As a recent graduate, Martharine continues to evolve as a designer, leveraging her academic training and industry experience to reimagine her fashion brand, JABO. With prior exposure to the fashion business, her long-term vision includes rebranding JABO into a globally recognised brand, building and sustaining meaningful industry connections, and expanding her influence beyond fashion through philanthropic initiatives. 

Specialising in both womenswear and menswear, Martharine is particularly drawn to the luxury and couture segments. She is known for crafting trans-seasonal, timeless pieces that reflect meticulous craftsmanship. Her work is a proud reflection of her faith and it also celebrates her African heritage—blending traditional cultural elements with contemporary design aesthetics and premium materials. 

 

Martharine is committed to challenging misconceptions about African-made products. Through her brand, she aims to establish a platform that elevates and redefines the narrative around African design, craftsmanship and creativity on the world stage.