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Swagga T
Versace, Gucci, Prada and Louis Vutton among other labels are all what many teens want these days if they have a chance to wear designer outfits.Be it a cap or sneakers, it has to be of a popular label.The case is different with upcoming Chitungwiza-based teen designers Simbarashe Manyoni and Michael Chihwai.
The duo said fashion is a passion, but it has to have an identity.
“We have found that one of the most crucial elements necessary at the beginning of a new business venture that often goes overlooked is branding. A brand identity is the entire experience of your brand not just the visuals, but rather its core, foundation and values. We should be proud of our labels,” said Simbarashe aka Manyonz Real.
He said all those who made it in life did so because of their identity.
“I am surprised by many teens who are always donning international labels yet Zimbabwe is full of rich and nice labels, why not promote each other? I will die wearing my label,” he said.
Simbarashe, who finished his Ordinary Level at St John’s College, said their design ranges from T-shirts, jackets, caps, tights and jeans among others.
“We get our material from local shops in Harare and we are now designing as per request. We work with any material from leather to cotton depending on what our client wants. Sometimes we buy materials abroad, but it is expensive and we hope that the local textile industry will come up again,” said Simba- rashe.
“What makes us different from other designers is we do a combination of designs like, for example, a leopard cotton material combined with leather and it comes out nicely,” explained the 17-year-old.
He said they just design and someone helps them with tailoring.
They are inspired by a United States business mogul and designer.
“Marc Jacobs is unique and skilful. We adore his designs and we started doing our designs. Apart from designers we are musicians and we had to do our own designing because you know with hip-hop music it is not about lyrics, but clothes too, so that is how we started. Kanye West also inspired us as a musician and we love his Yezzy label and this is what we want to make news,” he said.
Michael, who is affectionately known as Jae Myk, said people also utilise fashion as a way to make a statement.
“Some people dress in high-end, fashionable clothing to show that they take care of themselves and want to stand out in a positive way.
Others may wear clothes that allow them to hide — plain jeans and tops that allow someone to blend into a crowd. This shows that both making a statement and trying not to make a statement actually do end up making a statement — although trying not to make a statement states that you don’t want to be noticed,” he said.
The former Emerald Hill student said the brand makes the person feel connected to the fashion that he or she loves.
“It does not matter that the person could buy about 10 shirts at Four May’s for the price of one Burberry piece — the Burberry piece gives a person self-esteem and pride in her appearance,” he said.
The duo said the country was full of talented and skilled teens, but they lacked opportunities.
“Resources and opportunities are a major hindrance in promoting our talents. We are not appreciated and urge corporates to fully support us as we are the future of Zimbabwe,” he said.
The duo said their label came to light when they designed an outfit similar to the one published in Cool Lifestyle under Cool Reloaded with Jaden Smith wearing leopard print Harlem pants.
So all cool teens now know where to get their designer gear.
Online Reporter