Thursday Fashion Feature [Exclusive] - Queen Yaya

Take us through who Ayanda Nhlapho is? What does she do for a living? Where is she from? What is her background?

Yaya: I'm Ayanda Nhlapo, born in Springs, east of Johannesburg, South Africa. I'm a feminist and a Sagitarrius. I do what I love for a living; which is Acting, Modeling, Designing, Styling, Singing, Rapping, Writing, Voice Over Artistry and Entrepreneurship.

When did you fall in love with fashion?

Yaya: I fell in love with fashion when I started having an opinion on what I liked wearing and what I didn't like wearing. I was about 6 years old, and this is when I realised I had aquired my own sense of style.

When did you birth your brand and what was the motivation behind it?

Yaya: I gave birth to my brand in 2011. It was purely a Vintage brand at that time. I needed to make a mark for myself in the fashion scene, so I started out by selling my family's vintage gear.

Tell us about the brand name – what does it mean, what does it stand for, who is it for?

Yaya: The name of my brand is Roc Soquet Couture (pronounced as 'rock-socket-couture'). It's a muse enthused by the main concept and functions of an electric socket, which operates as an incubator for a the flow of electricity. This is what my brand is about. It operates as an incubator of funk, style and global trends, hence the slogan "the hub of funk". Roc Soquet Couture is a worlwide brand that speaks to futuristic fashion movers and game changers. My style is rather Edgy.

Besides the internet, pop culture, South African culture and the music that you listen to, what inspires you; who or what inspires the fabrics that you use, the colours and textures?

Yaya: I'm inspired by life... My imagination is also a good source of inspiration.

Most designers have a ritual they stick to when they create their collections. Do you have such a ritual; is there a creative process that takes place?

Yaya: I dont have a ritual as such when creating my collections. However, my collections usually have a feel or a theme, often telling a story...with an Mzansi element to them, yet maintaining a global appeal.

I’ve noticed that you’re quite the elusive type, which is what we love here at RVL; mystery and suspense. How important is it to keep work separate from play and how important is it to be protective of one’s craft – should one be protective of their craft and to what extent?

Yaya: It's highly important to keep work seperate from play, I mean, you've heard the good old saying: "don't mix business with pleasure". It's okay to network and mingle with people that are in your feild of work and will possibly help build you, but one should have bounderies. Your craft is a reflection of who you are. Nurture and protect it with all your might, legally as well.

How important is image?

Yaya: Image is Everything! It's what the world sees first before your soul.

What does being independent mean to you and what are the challenges that come with being an independent female artist?

Yaya: Nothing is impossible for a young independant woman like me. It means a lot to me that I am strong, with endless capabilities, in a world of limitless possibilities. Yes, being independant comes with a lot of struggles and responsibilities, however, I only believe that it is those factors that form part of what moulds me into becoming the best version of me. "Ask nothing. Expect Nothing. Depend on nothing. You are all you have." That's my motto.

You’re clearly changing the sphere and dynamics of the fashion and entertainment industry -What does being a revolutionary artist mean to you?

Yaya: A revolutionary artist is one that is not afraid to be different and goes all out to make their mark. This is an artist that brings change to the game and Takes things to a new level. Legendary sh*ts! Artists that are hard to forget about.

How would you describe Jo’burg style and fashion?

Yaya: Johannesburg style and fashion has always somewhat been mind blowing to me. It's fresh, fast paced and trendy. I love how the people here are not lazy to show their identities off by dressing up and being a part of cool fashion events and social scenes. This city is constantly buzzing and with regards to street wear, I would love to see more female street brands.

You’re a very confidence person; some might even say intimidating, Haha and one of the traits I really dig about you – since forever! - How important is it for women to embrace themselves and their self-love and self-worth?

Yaya: Woman need to realise their beauty and powers. They also need to practice self-love. If you do not love yourself, who will?

What does style mean to you?

Yaya: Style cannot be bought. It is something you naturally exude and use to put yourself together, in such a way in which you please and feel you best express yourself. That is why people have different styles...it's becuase people are different. However, not everybody has style.

You’re also involved in music; how’s that going and do you have any projects lined up

Yaya: My music career is at its beginning stage, really. It took me a while to find my feet and to make all the right connects. I'm finally dropping my 1st single, titled "PikiPiki" produced by Muzi, together with a music video for it. Thereafter, I plan to drop another single, which I worked on with my former band member of Friday Dusk (Beatrice). The rest, you'll know in due time...

What are you currently listening to – let us in into your playlistJ?

Yaya: I love me some Indie, Pop, Hip-Hop and Jazz. My current playlist consists of Bonobo, J*Davey, xxyyxx, Metronomy, Queens of Dance, Tokimosta, Blockhead, The Internet, Brenda Fassie, RJD2, MGMT, A$AP Rocky, Joey Bada$$, Koop Islands, Paris Lounge, Queen Yaya, Robert Glasper, Mac Miller, Little Dragon, Rudimental, Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu, Corinne Bailey Ray, Ellie Goulding, Azealia Banks, Lana Del Rey, Spoek Mathambo, Da Brat, Aaliyah, TLC, Foxy Brown, Missy Elliot, Boom-Shaka, varous Kwatio artists. Iv'e also recently leaned my ear towards a new South African genre called "qhum or qgomu", it's jumping!

What would you say anyone wanting to pursue this sort of career or any career within the arts?

Yaya: Follow your dreams. Anything is possible. Focus, work hard and never, ever give up!

How can peeps get hold of your clothing items?

Yaya: Roc Soquet Couture is available at Ozlo Boutique (Fox & Kruger street, Maboneng) and at Dip Str (33 De Korte street, Brammfontein.) ... Soon to drop at Egality (Parkhurst). Fashionistas outside the Gauteng region may order online, we deliver. View on : rocsoquet.blogspot.com or rocsoquetcouture.tumblr.com. Email: Soquet4u@gmail.com for more info. Like our Facebook page: Facebook.com/rocsoquet. Follow us on Twitter: @ROCSOQUET.

How can they get hold of you – any social sites, links, handles?

Yaya: Follow me on twitter: @QUEEN_Y_A_Y_A. Facebook: Ayanda Yaya Nhlapo. Email: Ayandanhlapo1@gmail.com..