In a spotlight feature promoting 44 Stanley’s lineup of trendy stores, IFUKU was lauded as its ‘shrine dedicated to vintage denim’. Aside from its vintage charm, the establishment is steeped in history, a virtual mecca for denim aficionados and lovers of timeless craftsmanship. IFUKU, with its quaint yet resolute presence, is curated by the visionary Rodney Mudzengerere. In this exclusive feature, we asked him a few questions about the essence of IFUKU and the passion that propels his casual crusade.
Located on the outskirts of Braamfontein, 44 Stanley blends urban vitality with refined charm. Its range of handpicked boutiques and locally-owned eateries combined with its shady walkways and verdant courtyards, nestled among repurposed industrial structures dating back to the 1930s, make this enclave a distinctive and inviting space within the city. What sets 44 Stanley apart is not just its physicality but its sweet, neighbourhood feel. Mudzengerere compares it to a quaint French village, tucked away from the hecticness of Joburg.
Nestled within 44 Stanley, the choice of location resonated with Mudzengerere’s ethos of sustainability, as the precinct’s buildings echo the enduring character of the 1930s. Mudzengerere, a denim fashion enthusiast, launched his physical store on July 10, 2021, after the immense success of his Instagram boutique. The cool, airy space is exceptionally curated and has an undeniable ambience, boasting meticulously curated vintage denim pieces, cargo jackets, boots, and Mudzengerere’s own collection of tees and kimonos.
For Rodney, IFUKU is more than just a store; it’s a representation of his reverence for denim as an art form and a conduit for fostering a community of like-minded individuals. Rooted in simplicity yet bound by a commitment to quality, IFUKU garments transcend mere clothing, offering some of the finest examples of Japanese craftsmanship in the city and embodying the spirit of artistry with every thick stitch. Moreover, IFUKU’s quality over quantity ethos, allows the pieces to breathe, not competing for the viewer’s attention, but quietly commanding it.
“With IFUKU pieces, I will forever respect the Japanese work; that’s where the basics start from and always have to infuse vintage in it. If you look closer, all IFUKU pieces have four to five different styles from vintage and new. … IFUKU materials are locally sourced and locally produced, in Soweto. … we only produce 20 to 30 pieces per style. My dream is for people to purchase and wear quality clothes that can last forever.”
But the incredible space and stellar craftsmanship aren’t the only appeal IFUKU has. On any given day, one can spot some of the coolest people in Joburg at the store, including Trevor Stuurman and Samthing Soweto. Beyond the confines of his store, Mudzengerere’s dreams extend to empowering aspiring creatives from townships, reflecting his own odyssey of realizing potential amidst adversity. Through IFUKU, Mudzengerere envisions not just a brand but a catalyst for change, a way of igniting the flames of creativity in the hearts of others.
When I asked about the future of the brand, Mudzengerere reflected jovially, “The amazing part is how the IFUKU community has grown and made the shop their home. … IFUKU will outlast me; it is timeless, it embodies both history and the future, and it represents freedom. … IFUKU’s role and dream is to slowly integrate into the landscape of South African fashion and, one day, establish a full manufacturing factory where creatives can come together. Looking forward, I see IFUKU becoming like my favourite label in the world, VISVIM haha.”
As IFUKU continues to make its mark, Mudzengerere’s artistic vision remains unwavering and those of us watching from the sidelines can’t help but be impressed. IFUKU’s Japanese influence is felt, not only in the meticulously crafted items on sale but in the brand’s sense of direction. Its distinct narrative and point of view make this one of the places that make Joburg so goddam cool. While we go on with the business of our lives, it’s comforting to know that IFUKU endures as a beacon of Joburg’s ungovernable, yet unparalleled sense of style.
