HIGHLIGHTS OF MEN’S TRADEFAIR /PITTI UOMO CELEBRATED IN AN ISLAND THEME IN ITALY
Pitti Island was the theme of this year’s season of Pitti Uomo,making the 102 edition of the historic menswear tradefair .
The tradefair has been held in Florence’s 14th Century Fortezza da Basso and in other parts of Italy.
Organisers had selected the Island as the theme as it symbolised ‘physical and spiritual point’.
This year’s attendance rose as many traditional followers of the fair attended the event since the COVID 19 pandemic was announced .
On Tuesday evening designers who included :Grace Wale Bonner from London,showcased his collection which was influenced by Black Heritage.
While Herno S/S2022’s collection each piece was crafted from surplus and leftovers yarn from clothing production in Shanghai it’s well-known as the Waste Yarn project .
The Vyagor Louvre Jeans Is a unique brand whose main focus is to bring a new classy , style to the Continent .However the brand has introduced ,the Nguni Shirts which are a story a unique Nguni story . In a conversation with the founder of the brand he tells us about his latest collection andfind out whom their target is when it comes to clientiele
Q:Can you introduce your brand to our readers ?A:My name is Siphesihle “Sihle” Khoza of VYAGOR LOUVRE JEANS, VYAGOR LOUVRE JEANS is a denim jeans brand which tailor make jeans for Africa inspired Africa. We are a brand that not only make jeans but we do upcycling of Jean which means we turn old jeans to new style.
Q:When you launched your brand to the public,who were your main target clientiele?A:Our target is everyone but our main focus is on the “black-diamonds” those out of varsity kids who just started work who are not afraid to buy luxurious clothes and those who don’t mind paying large sums because we are a luxurious brand.
Q:You showcased at SA Men’s Wear fashion week.What stood for you during the show ?A:When we showcased at SA Menswear week, what we noticed is that most off the audience understood fashion and it’s an easy market place you don’t have to re-introduce yourself every minute oh and the hospitality was amazing felt like a VIP.
Q:Why did you thought of showcasing your brand’s product at SA Men’s Wear Week?A:It’s the only fashion week which I knew which focused on men I notices this year they introduced a ladies day which is still a great loop hole being covered SAMenswear has a potential of growth I want it to grow with me being part of it.
Q:Tell us the story behind the collection that you presented and what type of material you used?A: My collection was one of the best I’ve yet created, it touches the life of one of my idols ‘Riky Rick’ who recently passed I did it as a tribute to his life, the designs where a perspective of what would Riky Wear that is what I called it.I am a designer of emotions to my feelings tell me that what he would wear, I used leather, raw denim, polyester and Jacquard(wool) when creating the collection.
Q:Your brand has always honoured the late icon Rikhado Makhado,what major role and inspiration has he played in your brand?A:No it hasn’t always honored Riky but from time to time I would draw some inspiration from his life because he was free spirited had no fear he would do things that are outrageous and just because it Riky you would understand that how he touched me I recall 2 years ago when he saw my collection and said it too much boy to me I knew I had done great for myself.
Q:One of the most prominent, products of your brand is the Nguni Polo Shirts.What makes them unique?
A:The Nguni is inspired by the people of the South not only South Africans but all the people who came from the North to the South. It’s represent “Ubuntu” because we are the descendents of NTU the print is a mix of most of the tribes you find in the south it so significant which Africa unite
Q:One might wonder who qualifies to wear the Nguni Polo shirts ?A:The Nguni is an everyday wear anyone can buy it and own it, it represents all of us it more of a traditional shirt than a luxurious shirt.
Q:How do clients from outside the borders purchase your product?(you can state the platform that can be used to purchase your products)A:I’m available on my socials you can order via whatsapp, Facebook and Instagram and I can courier to all neighboring countries to.
Q:Speaking about clientiele, business is back after COVID 19 pandemic restrictions.However how did you manage to handle your business during Covid 19 restrictions ?A:During hard lock down clientele dropped hence I opted into the business of making musk, which turned out to be paying great at the time but you had to work long hours to make more money.
Q:On which platforms on social media,should the readers follow you at to purchase your products
Darren Nkosi participated in Mister Mpumalanga this year and made it to the top 5 .South African based model, is hoping to continue with his modeling career as a model and is aiming in taking part in a number of International pageants .During his contest in being Mister
Q:Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
A:I am Darren Nkosi ,21 year from Middelburg Mhluzi in Mpumalanga. believi
Q:What defines you as a model ? A:Believing in myself
Q:Can you describe your journey that you encountered during Mister Mpumalanga?
A:Mr Mpumalanga was a journey of not only transforming a boy child’s life but also mine while doing so ,because there is always a lot to learn from others.
Q:What was your main motive in taking part in Mister Mpumalanga ?
A: The young man who are the biggest contributors of the sociatal issues we are currently facing.Mr Mpumalanga was and is still offering a chance to mold a boy child to become a better contribution to our communities.
Q:Did you ever thought that you will make it to top 5?
A:To be honest I was heading for the crown, but I am very proud with how far I’ve came.
Q:What are the major challenges that young people in your province ?
A: Drugs, young people are exposed to too many drugs.
Q:What is your definition of the term colour in the world of fashion and modeling ?
A:I believe a person is the definition of color in this subject.
Q:Who had designed your suit during the show and what inspired that suit’s design?
A:My tuxedo was designed by Thabang Gold, we were tasked to wear tuxedo’s for the final event and I wanted something that everybody else won’t wear
Q: Tell us about your campaign. What community and charity work had you conducted ?
A:I am currently running a program called ‘My Journal’, encouring boys to get into the space of sharing their emotion, thoughts and feelings with themselves to better their communication skills, mental health and overall personality.
Q:Any words to those who supported you during the pageant and who are supporting you after ?
A:The love and support is really appreciated, win or lose I wouldn’t be here or enjoyed the journey if it wasn’t for their support
Ramadhan Y Shagile is the owner of Romy Jay fashion brand (Born January 25, 1996) is a Tanzanian costume designer and traditional artist.
He is also the owner of costume gallery ‘The Creative Studio’ for Film, Television, Music Videos, Tour’s and All Stage. Having worked with more than 10 celebrity music artists in and out of Tanzania including, Diamond Platnumz, Joe Boy, Harmonize, Sauti Soul, Rayvanny, Zuchu, Lady Jay Dee, Mimi Mars, Baba Levo, Sholo Mwamba etc.
He has mastered the look of multiple periods and genres in envisioning the clothing and overall appearance of a character or performer creativity has been a part of his life and his creativity has been using different materials and making them into clothes, he has been an architect of a different kind who has come from east and central Africa and designed such costumes.
From modeling to being a mentor and a pageant director ,these are so
Q.To those who don’t know you can you introduce yourself? A.I am Asan Mahlangu a 29 year old guy from the smallest town in Tshwane,Bronkhorstspruit.
Q.Who introduced you into the world of Fashion and modeling ?A.It all started in 2006 at school (Dan Kutumela Secondary).
I was accompaning my cousin as she entered our school pageant so she convinced me to join, which I did and ended up being in top5.Then in 2015 they introduced a pageant in our church,I had to compete in our church region which I won and qualified for provincials,then I had to represent our provincial churches at the National’s, then furtherly I won the ovarall competition as I was crowned ‘MisterTirano Apostle Church’.Thats where the fire upon me started.
Q.You were once among those who contested for the title Mister SA in 2018.What lessons did you learn during that event that you applying now into your line of work ?
A.Like everyone who enters a competition, you go there all weapons ready. Mentally, physically and emotionally. No one can say they except themselves to be,second best in competition however when that happens what matters is the state of mind it finds you in.
Q.Can you tell us about your brand,how did you manage to come up with such a unique brand?
A.Coming up with a vision is not a walk in a park and living up to it is an extra work. One thing I know is that you need to have a mission and a purpose. After I’ve found the purpose behind this unique brand I never derailed from doing right by the brand. It’s not about me but it’s about this brand being the light of all these youngsters.
Q.What are the major challenges you face as a national director of different pageants ?
A.Every pageant different rules,so it becomes hard to train and prepare our delegates on certain criteria that they looking for on that Pageant.However with dedication,hard work, and unity we always come with a plan to conquer everything.
Q.Among the pageants you direct me Mister Tshwane what are the achievements your brand,Mr Tshwane have managed to produce?
A.Currently in Mr and Miss Tshwane Regions,we have two titles,African titles under our names.
-MR AFRICA CONTINENT 202, which was won by our lovely King Mr Tshwane Regions 2020 .In the city of Accra at Ghana.
-MISS AFRICAN DIGNITY 2021 2ND RUNNER UP was won by our first ever, Queen Miss Tshwane Regions 2019.
Then we went further and produced ,Mister Supraglobal 2021 with the model that am grooming.And now we working on Mr and Miss Global International which will be hosted in Indonesia this year, where we are represented by our Reigning Miss Tshwane Regions and Mr Tshwane Regions 1st runner up.While our King will be fighting for a back to back win in Romania this year at Mister Supraglobal.
Q.Has the Ministry of Sports,Arts and Culture both national and provisional been supportive?
A.Not at all,they will just congratulate us after winning but to give us funds when we indeed it’s something else.When it comes to Mr Africa Continent and Mr Supraglobal we knocked each and every door but it was no luck.
Q.How do out manage to create a positive relationship with the models as a director?
A.I just give them love and respect as their big brother so they give me back what I give them.
Q.Apart from Mister Tshwane which other brands do you work with as the direction?
A.Mr and Miss Thembisile Hani local Municipality and Mr and Miss KwaNdebele townships,these are the brands am also working with and people who are always being by my side.
Q.What words of advise do you have to both models and pageant directors….
A.To pageant directors the first things I can say is that integrity goes a long way in this industry. To our models be big on your character or personality because there can never be another you. At the end Unity is power.
Katutura fashionwas founded by Dennis Hendricks, Namibian legendary model in a vision to empower models and those involved in the fashion sector in Kututura and other parts of Namibia
Find out why the fashion week was found:
1:To empower Models from across the Continent and the World
2:To create employment in Namibia for the youths .
3: To create a legacy.
The Katutura Fashion Week has made calls to designers across the world who would like to showcase their designs by sending an email @Katuturafashionweek@gmail.com
Fashion industry in it’s many facets plays a vital role towards Namibia’s advancement. kFE is a local platform
KFW is a local platform with International aspirations that was inspired by a past of segregation,hence the name “Katutura” fashion week.This is a platform aimed at uniting the diverse cultures,enthicities and traditions of Namibia through art of fashion.
Katutura Fashion Week Awards is the complement to the goals and objectives of KFW to recognize and award contributors in the fashion industry.
When Iroegbulam Chidubem Christopher,won the 1st runner up position during last year’s Mister Model of Nigeria pageant competition.His popularity grew in his community and across the Continent as many supported his work both charity and in his modelling career.An announcement was made to the world about,Iroegbulam Chidubem Christopher‘s next step of his career which is contest for the title ‘Manhunt’.
In an interview with Iroegbulam Chris he shares with us how he received the news and how his prepared for his new journey.
Q:What have you been up to since you were inaguration as the 1st runner up of Mister Model Of Nigeria ? A: It’s been an interesting journey as the 1st runner up misters of Nigeria Pageant I have been able to carry out a lot of projects which includes the Peace sensitization project, Environmental an d sanitization project and currently preparing for my international Pageant.
Q:How did winning the title changed your life ? A:Winning the title has given me a great platform To make my voice heard, the title has been able to help me change my social Lifestyle and Has changed my perspective towards certain things.
Q:What do you think keeps Nigeria’s modelling industry to be more dominating in the continent? A:Well Nigeria is a Home to the biggest entertainment industry in Africa , Daily models In Nigeria strive to become the best version of themselves.
Q:You are participating in Mister Huntman ,when you were official announced as part of the participants what came to your mind ? A:I have always dreamt to represent My country internationally so getting this opportunity to represent Nigeria at manhuntintl. Is a dream come true and what came to my mind ,is giving it my best shot and showcasing my country’s culture and traditions and also clinch the crown.
Q:How are you preparing for the event? A:A journey of a thousand mile begins with a step, and I have taken that step, It’s been process of learning, unlearning and relearning and I can’t wait to show to the world what I have in stock.
Q: Why Is this pageant important to you as a model ? A: A tree the say cannot Make a forest, to be able to make my dreams come true and make my country proud I will be needing all round support from the public ranging from financial support, moral support, Advice and critics and more
Q:Given a chance to be in runway which brands would you like to work with ? A:Louis Vuitton, Michael Cinco, Tokyo James
Q:State 4 Africa countries you would like to travel to? A:Seychelles, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Kenya
PROFILE:Iroegbulam Chidubem Christopher, Popularly Known as Lam Chris, A Nigerian From The Eastern Heartland Imo State. He is A Model, An On Air Personality, Content Creator and Environmentalist.
Christopher is the Initiator of Project SATT (Save a Tree Today) Which is an annual project aimed at revolutionizing the minds of Nigerian towards the importance of maintaining a healthy Environment and conserving trees (and nature).
Prominently, He is a goal Getter, And a Leader Par Excellence. Currently The Imo state Youth Ambassador (Mr Imo State ). 1st Runner Up Misters Of Nigeria Pageant and Nigeria’s Representative At Manhunt International Pageant Which will be held In 3months Time at Manila Philippines
Lam Chris advocates for the Girl Child and He is also a philanthropist who create impacts to Lives Through different Humanitarian projects , Which Includes The Kiddies Xmas FUNFAIR, Girl Child Welfare Campaign (pink project) and many more.Having Worked Successfully with So many brands which Includes; Cameraboy Tv, Pearl Couture, Greywolf Empire To mention but a few.He derive great joy and happiness seeing people in need get a helping hand and he believes that there’s no Limitation to What a person can achieve, young or old.22 year old Iroegbulam Christopher Chukwudubem, believe that greatness can be achieved we only have to embrace it.
Zimbabwe is among few African countries that is playing a massive role when it comes empowering boy child in the modelling sector which had turned out to be one of the none financial supported sectors in the Continent.Recently the land locked country crowned their first Mister Star International Zimbabwe. During our conversation we discuss about his achievement and the challenges that young Zimbabwean models face.
Q:Kelvin can you provide an insight about yourself? A:My name is Kelvin T Zivhu aged 18. I love to call myself the Royal Doctor because I’m an inspiration to many. I advocate against child abuse and drug abuse.
Q:Why you join the modelling industry and how has your career evolved since you embarked since you joined the sector ? A: To be honest with you I joined the industry last year because I believed it’s a gift.To my surprise things are going well and I’ve learnt a lot for the past months.
Q:Do you believe modeling has to do with the looks and fitness ? A:As for me modelling it’s all about talent,although looks and fitness matters to some extent.
Q:You won Mister Zim Teen star International can you share with us your experience? A:I believe it’s not always about winning or losing but it’s where it gets you in life.
Q:You are currently still on your studies and also you into modelling how do you balance the two? A:School is my first priority and I don’t like any disturbances, I do modelling during the holidays
Q:What do you think are some of the factors that have contributed to investors not to support none well-established models? A:Most people are now calling themselves models especially after a photoshoot which is the completely opposite of a model therefore no investors would like to ruin their reputation .On the other hand well established models carry a good name which can be a benefit to the investor.
Q:What inspires your modeling career ? A:It’s the opportunity that it bring.I feel like it’s the only industry which can boost my confidence and pushes me to use my talent to the fullest.
Q:In Zimbabwe’s models who is your role model?A:Byron Bibo Mulinga,not forgetting Hilda Mabu who always encougerages and motivates me through her works
Q:Where do you see your future in years to come ?A: I believe I’m gonna be the next international top model who is going to be an inspiration to many upcoming male model as well as paving a way for the generations to come
Q:Which title would you like to contest in the coming years? A:Currently I’m contesting in the Mr Teen Harare as we are preparing for Mr Teen Zimbabwe
WORLD OF FASHION & MODELLING 