In an exclusive interview, Muriel Blanche, the acclaimed Cameroonian actress, entrepreneur, and cultural icon, shares her insights on legacy, familial pride, and how her heritage shapes her identity. This conversation delves into her integral role in Vlisco’s “Icons Last Forever” campaign, where she embodies a symbol of cultural continuity and redefines what it means to be iconic in contemporary Africa.
Actress, entrepreneur, and cultural icon, Muriel Blanche is one of Cameroon’s most compelling contemporary voices. As part of a new generation of storytellers, she brings authenticity to everything she does, redefining what it means to be iconic in today’s Africa.
Her relationship with Vlisco is both personal and generational. First worn by her mother and the women who raised her, Vlisco fabrics were a marker of presence and pride. Weddings, ceremonies, and family gatherings — each moment was punctuated by wax. “The more I saw my mother wear Vlisco, the more I wanted to wear it too,” she shared. “It’s a way to honour where I come from, and to carry that forward.”
Today, Muriel wears Vlisco in her own iconic way-bold, intentional, and true to herself. In “Icons Last Forever”, Muriel steps into that lineage — not only as a model, but as a symbol of cultural continuity.
In this interview, she tells Marie Claire Nigeria about her views on legacy, family pride and the stories that existed even before she did, that still shape who she is today.
Given your prominent position, how do you see your work contributing to a legacy that extends beyond your personal achievements, especially for future generations in the arts?
I see my work as a bridge connecting the past, the present, and the future. Of course, at the beginning, as an actress, I was content to play my roles with passion. But today, I realise the symbolic weight of each project and every public appearance. It’s like laying a stone to build something bigger. I’ve come to realise that I’m not doing this just for myself.
There is a whole generation watching. Young women, aspiring artists, who are saying to themselves, “If she could do it, maybe I can too.” And that is a responsibility I take to heart. I strive to make choices that celebrate our identities, our traditions, our creativity. It’s my way of contributing to a collective legacy, hoping that it inspires and makes people want to dream bigger and dare to be their authentic selves, fully.
Thinking about family memory and the stories passed down, are there specific traditions, family heirlooms, or even fashion pieces that carry deep significance for you, shaping your sense of generational pride?
At home, family memories are alive. It’s passed down through simple gestures as well as on big occasions. One of my favourite traditions is shared cooking. I remember those moments with my mother. Today, cooking those same recipes with my daughters is almost sacred. We talk, we laugh, we remember. That’s when I feel I’m part of something bigger than myself. And then there are the fabrics. My mother really loved clothes made of African fabrics…and it’s a joy for me to have some in my wardrobe.
In what ways does fashion help you embody or express these themes of legacy, family, or cultural pride in your public life or even through the characters you portray?
For me, fashion is a language. It allows me to say who I am and where I come from without having to speak. When I wear a traditional fabric — pagne, a boubou, or even a piece created by an African designer, I feel rooted. It’s a way of celebrating my culture with pride, honouring the women who raised me, and showing that our elegance is second to none.
Even in my roles, the choice of outfits is never random. A scarf, a necklace, a cut of fabric…all of that tells a story about the character, their experience, their identity. And I always make sure it is done with respect and meaning. Fashion is a way of keeping our collective memory alive while projecting ourselves forward.
As you build your career, how conscious are you of the generational impact you’re having, and does this awareness influence your choice of roles, collaborations, or even your personal style?
I am very aware of this impact. And honestly, it has transformed me. Before accepting a role or a project, I always ask myself: “What will this role say to the young people who are going to watch me? Does it uplift? Does it open a door?”
Whether it’s in film, entrepreneurship, or fashion, I strive to stay aligned with my values. I want my choices to tell a story of strength, authenticity, and courage. I want today’s girls to know they can be ambitious and grounded. That they can dream without apology. So yes, it influences everything. Because I know I don’t just represent myself — I also represent a possibility.
Ultimately, for the actress, being iconic is not about status or spectacle, but about staying true to oneself while inspiring others. “Legacy isn’t just what we inherit, it’s what we build, what we invest ourselves in, and what we pass on,” she says. In this campaign, she brings that belief to life, becoming part of Vlisco’s living archive.
