Originally Kasified Clothing is a durable gear brand from Soweto established in 2013, by three creative gentlemen, Muzi Mabena, Itumeleng Boroko, and Loyiso Nxumalo. It is a clothing line that is focused both on traditional and street wear, with a vision to create unique designs, and the daunting task of wanting to be the city’s trend-setters in street wear.
The brand is inspired by African craft, from textiles to artworks, and traditions. All products
are created by both machine and hand: jewelry, clothes, and printing.
Originally Kasified Clothing has been to several markets, T-Shirt expo’s and fashion shows, such as, Art of Soweto Market, Soweto Arts & Craft Fair Market and Soweto T-shirt Festival, to name a few. We met up with the team to find out a little more about them. Here's what they had to say about themselves an their city's fashion.
RVL: Tell us a bit more about Originally Kasified - When did it start?
Muzi: It all started in 2010, when I was just an IT student who was interested in the life of computers and everything that had to do with technology. Until I met a guy, who is now a friend/business partner, introduced me to screen printing, and the next thing went to the other. I started a small fabric printing business, named Originally Kasified Fabric Printers, I always had this name in my mind and everything that I did. Long story short, the company got formally registered as Originally Kasified Clothing because of the level which it was on, it was no longer about the printing, but fashion as a whole.
Originally Kasified covers a variety of styles in fashion, from traditional to urban wear, ll about creating concepts that our consumers can be able to identify as an integral part of their lifestyle.
RVL: When did you realise you wanted to become an entrepreneur?
Muzi: I've always had the spirit of hustling, it was only a matter of finding what I loved, holding on to it and nurturing it. I guess i realised that the moment I fell in love with art.
RVL: What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?
Muzi: Besides printing a piece of an artwork onto a shirt or any item for that matter, a T-shirt is the first article of clothing I've designed, from the story board, to choosing the material, to cutting the pattern, and finally gathering all the pieces that make up a final product. I still have that shirt even today.
RVL: What does fashion and style mean to you?
Muzi: To me, fashion is a story, and style is how you tell that story, a feeling of expression.
Fashion and style are a means of telling a story through your attire, or an outfit for that matter. The style you have, tells a lot about the kind of person you are.
RVL: How important is branding?
Muzi: Branding is so important that whatever you create has to have that trademark so that people know about your product. It is the most efficient way to show potential customers what your craft is about.
RVL: How would you describe your city’s fashion?
Muzi: "Trendy" is one word I would describe my city's fashion with. Trends are being set every season, and people follow, which is what we love to see as designers, but are we following the right trends though? That's what we should have in mind. In all fairness and truth, my city's fashion is on point!
RVL: Where do you get your inspiration?
Muzi: I get my inspiration from the African crafts that I see on a daily basis, and when I'm at markets and fashion shows or business expo's, meeting new artists and getting to know more about their crafts, that gives me inspiration as well. I also get a lot of inspiration mostly from the type of music that I listen to, neo-soul, lounge and deep, hearing the instruments speaking to my mind, just gives me an ability to create a massive product.
RVL: What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?
Muzi: I always say that if a product doesn’t have elements and principles of design in it, then it doesn't mean a thing. It may have been made from the most expensive fabric and other materials, but if doesn't have a story to tell, then it's just a garment. A product has to tell us a story. I believe the rhythm of the design is what makes a quality article of clothing, despite the material used, that's just a bonus.
RVL: How would you describe your personal style?
Muzi: I'm a designer, so everything that I wear, do, or say has to show in one way or another. My style is original, I love what I do and I represent where I'm from through the love of fashion.
RVL: Where can the masses get hold of you?
Muzi: You can get hold of Kasified at The Art Of Soweto Market, at The Rock Soweto, every last Saturday of the month At Soweto Arts and Craft Fair Market, at Soweto Theatre Jabulani, every firstSaturday of the month. Otherwise you can follow us on twitter @OKasified
- Like our page for updates and more on facebook - Originally Kasified Clothing
- Instagram ID @originally_kasified_clothing
© RVL Revolution Validates Life
No comments:
Post a Comment