Mzansi brand, Zazi Clothing Factory had their designs strutted on the international runway at New York Fashion Week. Their luxury line of Umbhaco (Xhosa traditional attire) wowed the crowd and placed South African fashion on a global platform.
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Onwaba Mvele, the brains behind the brand is from East London and draws inspiration from traditional Xhosa garments. “I love to support local and sustainable [enterprises]. I also have an accounting degree and was a Deloitte employee who was retrenched. I then became a sangoma and would dream of all kinds of different designs while I was sleeping. I dream most of my designs, so the design part of my business is a gift, and that’s how I got the name ‘Zazi’, which in Zulu means recognition, confidence and wisdom. The stars aligned and showed me the path I was supposed to take,” explains Mvele to TimesLive.
With a total of ten models, Mvele took three South African models with her to the New York catwalk. “We have three South African models — two who have travelled with me all over the country and recently showcased my collection on eNCA, and another beautiful model, Wilhrisca Britz from Polokwane, who is now based in New York.”
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South African actress, Lusanda Mbane is the ambassador of the brand and led the collection on the runway.
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The Traditional Elegance collection is named after Mahikeng and blends a multitude of traditional Xhosa fabrics. The collection is versatile enough to be worn by A-listers on the red carpet, as well as at traditional ceremonies.
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Featured image: @lusandambane / Instagram
