Bloggers We Love : ChiefGlammy

Hello family

Firstly I would like to say thank you for all your love and support so far. The team is always discussing new ways to share what we know and find about fashion. We have a New segment taking over from the Blogger spotlight. It is called Bloggers we love (for now). We might change the name later ( just because we love change and switching things up).

Today we have Swaziland's answer to fashion. Appropriately, she calls herself Chief Glammy. We love her style. It is chic with a pint of daring. We also love the diversity of information she shares on her social media platforms. From beauty, hair, celebrity fashion and her own style she has is on point. I have personally worked with her and she was a joy to work with. I love her sense of humor.  Did we forget to mention she  represents the fashion maverickz ethos i.e she supports local Swazi fashion designers and she is an entrepreneur. We love all of that. We will leave all contact details below:

Blog: www.glamchickuwait
Instagram: Chiefglammy
Youtube:ChiefGlammy
Twitter:@chiefglammy

Well we hope you enjoyed our new segment. We love sharing and introducing you to people in the Southern African fashion forefront. We challenge you to support local bloggers so that they can continue sharing their good work and information with us. We have supplied the details now go forth and follow Chief Glammy.

Celebrate all things Southern African

Love and Light:
Tiwi

Kokonut Stylist (KS) Launch

Hello FMZ Family,

On Saturday 29 November, the launch of the Kokonut Stylist rebrand and website took place at the Happy Valley Hotel and Resort poolside area in the scenic Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland. This affair had a theme of  “The Bold And The Beautiful”. I interpreted this theme in my outfit by juxtaposing classic black 50s silhouette with some bold statement pieces such as a pastel flower necklace. 

The poolside location provided a relaxed yet sophisticated setting for the launch. The program coordinator   was Frankie Dlamini, a well known socialite and fashion enthusiast in Swaziland. His outfit was a bold, colourful mix of feminine and masculine qualities and topped off with a vintage bag. His statement necklace and floral pants caught your attention. 

Within his role as an program coordinator, his exuberant personality added flair and humour to the event which started off quite intimately as many opted to be fashionably late. Frankie spiced things up with his French anecdotes, Wendy Williams impersonations and hilarious comments referencing style icons such as Coco Chanel and Vogue's Anna Wintour.

 Koko Shabangu, owner of Kokonut Stylist, looked chic and regal in a white high waisted tulle skirt. 

The energy between Frankie and Koko worked well in presenting the brand. Frankie became a live mannequin to fit the impressive pieces from the collection which the guests got to critique. It was very interactive. 

The clothes sampled were eye-catching, bold and well made. She showed some innovation in her detachable peplum items which could transform different outfits. Koko emphasized her belief in embracing your own individual style and having self-awareness other than just mindlessly copying trends. The items produced will not fall victim to mass production from what she said.

Present at the event was JeremPaul's Khulekani Msweli who we featured on the blog earlier this year. He brought along his JeremPaul mannequin (which freakishly seemed real). It was later dubbed Sebastian by Frankie.

Also present was Lindokuhle Mthupha, who is known for being the face of Sgonian Republik, a brand we have feautured on the blog. Fundzisile of the Zubani brand was also there along with Sasha Groening of FACE Modelling. 

Our Fashion Maverickz founder, Tiwi, was there in spirit. Tiwi's presence was felt by my presence (as we are a team) as well as her younger sister Chubo being in attendance. I got to make a little impromptu speech on our behalf. UrGal Zee also repped her by donning Tiwi's Closet SD. 

All in all, it was a wonderful experience to see people from the creative sphere in Swaziland come together and support the growing industry. It gives encouragement and validation that all that work is not in vain. 

We at FMZ show our support for Koko in this endeavor and will be watching to see her progress as we bring you more news. We encourage people to check out the website: www.kokonutstylist.com which be going live soon and get shopping 

Yours in fashion,

Khethiwe for FMZ

INTERVIEW WITH OGS

Hello FMZ Fashionistas,

As always, Fashion Maverickz is committed to exposing you to fresh talent connected to Southern Africa. The beauty of the fashion industry is that it is a vast field in which one can not only be in the forefront but be behind the scenes as well. Today we are profiling a fashion photographer of note. I introduce you to Osse Greca Sinare.

I know him personally from my high school days at Waterford Kamhlaba in Swaziland and we were in the same class for about two years. He always had flare for fashion and artistic expression back then and it is amazing to see how that has grown into his craft and career. He was recently in South Africa on a tour with OGS studios so Southern Africa remains close to his heart. This is a taste of his journey in different parts of the world over the years and what has inspired him to be where he is today.

Give a brief description of your background and history (such as where you have lived, studied and interests growing up).

I was born in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and spent my younger years in Tanzania, until it was time for High School, which is when I went to study in Mbabane, Swaziland. It was a great experience because of the diversity in nationalities the school had and also by the fact that it had courses such as Art, Music & Drama, courses that are not in the curriculum in government schools in Tanzania (Sadly). My interests have always been in Art and creating since I can remember and it has always been the subject I aced, so being in a school which taught you such subjects motivated me to explore this area more.

What inspired you to do fashion photography specifically and to start OGS Studios?

I actually did a degree in Business Computing specializing in Management, so I wasn't planning to take a career into photography. But while I was doing my Uni studies in Malaysia, I got interested in the art of taking photos and ended up borrowing a camera from a friend to practice. Slowly but surely I fell in love with it. I started experimenting with different types of photography from landscape, still life, photo journalism but I eventually found that I love fashion & portrait photography. I loved it because it is always changing every season, plus the fact of coming up with various concepts and ideas all the time intrigued me.

What has been your greatest achievement to date as a Fashion & Portrait Photographer?

My greatest achievements as a fashion photographer to date are winning, two years in a row, fashion photographer of the year for Swahili Fashion Week 2012/2013.

Describe your personal style.

I have yet to find my own person style in my photography. I love experimenting and trying different styles of taking pictures and editing so it's really hard for me to stick to a particular style, but I hope to find one I can stick to soon. (Hehehehe.)

What direction do you think African fashion is headed at this moment in time?

At the moment there is big boom in the African fashion industry. There are more designers, photographers, make-up artist, models etc. creating their own style and also providing international standard work, which is great. We are at the great time in the fashion industry, I believe with the growth that we are heaving we will soon be a force to reckon with, we have been in the shadows for too long, its time we voice out, express our creativity and shine!

What are your future plans with OGS Studios? 

Future plans for OGS Studios is expanding the studio so that we can cater to various concepts for shoots, start creating workshops so we can teach others, and also move into filming/videography more.

Who would be a dream client?

A dream client for us would be any internationally known fashion magazine like Elle, Vogue, V, etc. We are working hard on improving our work so we can open such doors for our studio. 

That is all we have with Osse for now. We look forward to watching his growth in the fashion industry on a continental and global scale. May his vision for OGS Studios come into fruition. In the meantime, check out his website www.ogsstudios.com to see more of his impressive work.

Warmly,
Khethiwe (repping The FMZ fam)

Vim and Verve

Hello FMZ family

One of our aims with this blog is to give you not just interesting stories but information you can use. We want to introduce you to new events and local designers you may have been unaware of. We want to encourage our readers to shop locally and support local  brands and designers. 

Pop up sales are quickly becoming a popular way of shopping in and around Southern Africa. Today we will be looking at an independent brand Vim and Verve who operate through pop up sales.

Vim and Verve is an independent/vintage clothing brand based in Durban South Africa.  Vim and Verve operate through monthly pop up sales in Durban. 

We had a little Chat with the founder and owner of Vim and Verve. This is what she had to say:

Please introduce yourself?

My name is Tsipa Mokganya, Owner and fashion designer for Vim & Verve Collection. I’ve has been in the fashion industry since 2010, sourcing and modifying vintage wear for resale and also designing a retro inspired fashion line.

Tell us about your brand?

Vim & Verve Collection is a Retro/Vintage collection for young women with spirited style. We know women constantly want to make a statement, leave an impression and be authentic in how they present themselves. Vim & Verve will allow them to have timeless unique pieces to add to their collection. We are Durban based and operate through pop up stores at hot spot venues and the renowned I Heart Market.  Our presence at these venues will allow the brand to set off sophisticated and entertaining networking sessions with a fusion of fashion, food and friends. With only one of each vintage item, women are guaranteed to start setting their own trends, by adopting a personal identity. Our new fashion is a fusion of modern design with a touch of vintage. We use unique prints that separate us from the rest of our competitors in the fashion industry.

What makes your brand unique?

We are setting a social trend in Durban to allow women with spirited style an experience of great company, soothing sounds, refreshments and timeless vintage fashion collectibles set in the perfect location. We are all about the ‘triple f’ i.e. fashion-food-friends.

What inspired you to start your brand?

I’ve always loved clothes growing up. I used to go into my mothers and grandmothers closet and played dress up.  Growing up, I saw a gap in the market to bring back the old school style (vintage) but not shying away from the modern styles that inspired my more retro fashion line that I’m currently designing, we have a spring collection coming out soon. There was a sense of sophistication on the old classics that the modern trends were missing.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to start his or her own brand?

Be unique and authentic. Don’t do what everyone is doing. People buy into trends/offerings that stand out from the norm. Don’t be afraid to take that risk.

Where can our readers buy your stuff?

We are at I Heart Market on every first Saturday of the month and situated under the infamous big tree. For more information about our events & updates on our fashion lines, like our page on http://www.facebook.com/vimandvervecollection

We hope you enjoyed our chat with Vim and Verve. Don't forget to follow their Facebook page to keep yourself updated on their events and products. If you are in Durban be sure to visit them at their pop up sales. Don't forget to mention Fashion Maverickz sent you there.

Have a lovely week.

The Team.

Jerem Paul

Hello everybody. Today's designer spotlight will be with the very talented  Khulekani Msweli head designer and founder of Jerem Paul. He will be talking to us about his style, inspiration and his work. Not only is he a designer he is also an excellent craft's man, artist and interior designer.

My first reaction when I came across Jerem Paul was simply 'wow'. I was completely blown away by the quality of his work and his creativity . I love how holisitc his brand is. I see Jerem Paul as a blue print for what African fashion should bring to the table. Jerem Paul for me is the flagship for fashion in Swaziland. I see very big things for this brand and frankly I am inspired by Khulekani's work.

Now on to the good stuff. Let's have a word with Khulekani :

1. Please introduce yourself. Tell us about your brand and a little about yourself.

I was born in Vuvulane, Swaziland, in 1984. Spent most of my early years in Swaziland, lived and studied in England. To further enhance my knowledge in the arts, I traveled extensively to Paris, New York, Amsterdam, The Middle East and West Africa.

 JEREMPAUL is a multiple award winning, high end fashion and design brand directed by a Swazi father and son, Paul Msweli & Khulekani Msweli, since its establishment in 2010. It's focused on innovative high quality craftsmanship and driven by the love of contemporary art, resulting in avant-garde fashion and furniture.

Designer Khulekani Msweli designs objects that revive artisan's skills at the same time that they are challenged, to entice young generations to take part and pride in the value and meaning of craftwork.

A JEREMPAUL piece is a "one-made", to be passed on from one generation to another, telling our story and preserving our heritage.

2. What was the defining moment that encouraged you to start designing

There wasn't a specific defining moment but it was the fact that I was in a creative environment during my high school days and through my art skills, I felt it a natural process to delve into design as I would eventually become self employed. I have never really wanted to be an employee so the design world allows one to become self employed.

3. How do you incorporate your heritage into your designs?

First and foremost it's through the craftsmanship and then followed by creating a contemporary edge within what is already in my culture.

4. Please tell us where we can find your designs?

In Vuvulane, Swaziland.

5. Can you tell us about your personal style?

I would describe my style is modern eclectic.

6. Who are your fashion icons?

Not many, but that would include Rei Kawakubo, Rossana Orlandi & Lee McQueen

7. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start designing?

Have passion, study the field, then research, research, research!

8. Aside from your heritage what else inspires you when you are working on your collections?

The natural beauty of the world and the capabilities of humanity, through architecture, art, literature, music & spirituality.

9. Where do you see your brand in the future?

Within the homes and public spaces of discerning individuals who appreciate high quality craftsmanship and conceptual design/art.

10. Can you give us any tips on running your own brand?

Be in control of  the brand's image, work with a team that understands and believes in the brand's vision and mission, never be mediocre, remain consistent and relevant. There will be very dark days so you will need God.

Well thank you Khulekani for this amazing Designer spotlight. I hope someone has been inspired to develop and work on their talents. As Khulekani has said,research , research, research, be passionate about your work, understand your vision and be consistent. Very important advice that I will be taking myself. 

If you want to keep up to date with what Jerem Paul like his page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jerempaul.life 

Until Next time. Have a beautiful Friday and a happy weekend.

Love Tiwi