Siyabonga Mtshali is a name that needs no introduction to keen followers of the fashion industry in South Africa. The young designer’s flamboyant personal style and uncompromising take on what fashion should be in a modern world have garnered him some well-deserved attention. Like many other creatives, however, Siyabonga cast his creative net wide while…
There is a thin line between fashion and style. Fashion is about the new and trendy— whatever is considered hot at a particular moment. Whereas style tends to be more personal, unique and intentional, what sociologist Michael Brake dissects into three elements; image, demeanour and ‘argot’. Image is a general representation of the person wearing…
Winner of this year’s African Fashion International’s Fastrack programme Sindisile Mbobo, with his label Name Brand, plans to build a purpose-driven brand. For him, clothing is the medium through which he can make a positive impact on people’s lives, by focusing on functionality and problem solving as the foundation for his designs. I interviewed him…
‘The New World Order ‘19’ fashion film for I.N Official has Creative Director Ifeanyi Nwune’s mother at heart as the “New World Order Instructions” is narrated by her. He explains “I had my mother record the ‘New World Order Instructions’ in her natural voice to keep the traditional stern African mum effect. From time, it’s…
Austrian womenswear designer René Scheibenbauer’s name should be on the lips of fashion aficionados not only because he is a graduate of the extraordinarily well regarded Central Saint Martins, which can boast to have nurtured the talent of Alexander McQueen, Riccardo Ticsi and more recently Craig Green, or for the fact that his graduate collection…
As with most collaborations, the curiosity that accompanies creativity led Mongezi Mcelu (aka Bambatha Jones) and Lwazi Madonsela (aka Umsindisiwesiko) to work together. Jones uses digital and analog photography to unpack narratives that revolve around the complexities of being a “born-free” and the preservation of black heritage. Umsindisiwesiko is a fashion designer and stylist with…
Romantic ruffles reminiscent of love-struck poetic verse and a bygone era stitched up in nostalgia. Reinterpreted in an emboldened form. Young designer Fikile Sokhulu has an aesthetic that has been based on the idea of embracing femininity in women. “Fashion details in the collection are inspired by concept of reflecting femininity in the type of…
In 2016 during her first year at LISOF, Reneilwe Masekoameng had a vision for a space that would allow creative collaboration between herself and her friends, as well as allow each person to showcase their individual talent. Getting caught up in all of life’s flows, the idea fell to the wayside. However, a seed had…
The Shokunin spirit of Japan will always be a part of me. It means craftsmanship; however, it is much more than that. One of the essential things is to make something for the joy of making it, and to do it carefully, beautifully, and to your utmost best of your ability. Shokunin is an attitude and a…
Based in Los Angeles multidisciplinary creative Devi James loses themselves in the world of fashion. “I started shooting my cousin when I was in 8th grade and she was in fourth grade. The photos to this day are timeless and dear to me. l would iron her hair, and use the thrifted pieces I’d find…
Recognized as a brand for self-actualization across cultures the world over Converse has seen many interpretations of its iconic sneakers. Their latest campaign “Love the Progress” sees women define what it means to be female brought to light with powerful young females: actress and activist, Millie Bobby Brown, the first hijab ballerina, Stephanie Kurlow, self-defence…
Fashion is fickle. In a contemporary context, the industry has been boiled down to consumerism on an unprecedented scale with every new trend permeating through seemingly every aspect of the market with hype often galvanising a brand or product over actual design. Think of the media frenzy around the Balenciaga Triple S sneaker and how…
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