Johannesburg - Monday, 14 March 2022: Part of the fun of fashion is that it is always evolving. Hence, it is always exciting to see what the fresh perspectives young and upcoming fashion designers bring to the table. Soweto’s Sibu FDB of FDB HUMAN STORE and Sphelele Nozipho Chikowi of Ntozinhle Lifestyle are such examples, two young minds with styles that respectively speak to high fashion for the streets, opposite trying to shift the average perception about beadwork and African design.
A model in a Ntozinhle Lifestyle design.
Sibu FDB is known for his unique fashion sense, which does not conform to a specific style or category, complemented by jewelry as his signature item, to complete his artistic individualism.
Sibu FDB of FDB HUMAN STORE, known for his unique fashion sense
“Everything is an inspiration. Literally, everything. So, my design inspiration changes all of the time. The audiences at Fashion Without Borders Africa will be exposed to the true essence of my brand, and they can get a better understanding of who we are as an FDB HUMAN STORE,” he beams. “Also, I have the opportunity to network with Designers from other parts of the continent, and this speaks to the fact that collaboration amongst Africa’s creative minds and brands is what will make African fashion continue to be a force to be reckoned with.”
Being a fashion designer is as much about creativity as it is about skill, which means your schooling does not dictate how successful you will be in fashion. Sphelele Nozipho Chikowi is living proof, as she is a self-taught designer, who took matters into her own hands, after an accident that left her paralysed and unemployable.
Born and raised in Soweto, Sphelele Nozipho Chikowi, Fashion Designer behind Ntozinhle Lifestyle
She describes her current design aesthetic as bold “Africa your time is Now” and flips the script on how ordinary people view beadwork and African designs; from thinking of it as only used for traditional ceremonies, to stylish and elegant designs.
“My creations are meticulously handcrafted, using the best quality materials. The primary focus is on contemporary beadwork and is inspired by the Ndebele, Zulu, Xhosa, and Vendas’s use of the craft,” she explains. “With an African contemporary flair, the clothing is designed for women who embrace the uniqueness of African culture.”
Ntozinhle Lifestyle employs 50 women, who create the detailed beadwork pieces, and has a group of diligent young men from Vosloorus in the Eastrand who are employed as leather craftsmen.
Both Fashion Designers are adamant that collaboration across African creative minds is what will make African fashion a force to be reckoned with. Hence projects such as the Fashion Without Borders Africa become a stepping stone for creative minds and their contemporary fashion; which also means an opportunity for the world to look at the ways in which the African fashion community is developing.
At this year’s Fashion Without Borders Africa, Sibu and Sphelele form part of a blend of new talent, emerging and established names, with a talent list that comprises Refilwe Elliot (BW), Rachel Olombe (DRC), Siphokazi Mzekandaba (SA), Eva Kirsten (SA), Kaelo Godirwang (BW), Kagiso Lesotlho (BW), Thoko Kunene (SA), Nivaldo Thierry (Mozambique), Tumie Mohoasa-ngüo (BW), Lebrun Bangala (DRC), Carol Lubelo (Eswatini), Abby LaDiva John (BW), Bontle Modise (SA), Althea Andrews (SA), Sarah Mubenesha (DRC), and Seabe Abby John (BW).
With the support of brands such as Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Avon, BLM Naturals, LeAfrika, Perfect Choice SA, and Roimanitou, this year’s installation of Fashion Without Borders Africa will be more than just a fashion show, but also a lifestyle event that includes pop-up stalls, industry-related workshops, and opportunities that will allow people to interact with both local and SADC region designers.
EVENT DETAILS:
POP – UP STALLS
Date: 24-26 March 2022
Venue: Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton
Time: 10:00am – 18:00pm Daily
FASHION UNPACKED WORKSHOP
Date: 25 March 2022
Venue: Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton
Time: 10:00am – 15:00pm
Tickets: Access is free
FASHION SHOW
Date: Saturday, 26 March 2022
Venue: Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton
Time: 18:00
Tickets: R500 general access and R1000 for VIP access. Only a limited number of tickets are available. All Bookings are made at efigyproductions@gmail.com.
For more details on Fashion Without Borders Africa, visit https://fwbafrica.com. Like and chat to us on Facebook at Fashion Without Borders Africa (FWB) or join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram @FWBAfrica using the hashtags #FWBAfrica #FWBJHB2022.