Mark Swag

Well hello again to all you lovers of fashion and trendsetters out there! It’s your girl, Nombuso, bringing you yet another offering of the amazing, inspiring, insightful designers who along with their creations celebrate the creativity within and are changing the fashion scene of their hometowns and ultimately Southern Africa one tee, one print, one garment at a time! Hope you enjoyed our last offering and we do hope that we've channeled the maverick in you!

Today we have yet another founder and designer (doubles as a graphic designer) for the label Mark Swag that has been doing the rounds in my hometown of Manzini. He prefers to be identified as Ghost as he does not want everybody to know who is really behind the brand. This brand has presence, has what it takes to stick out like a sore thumb (no pun intended) which I do hope it never does, very street styled prints and is more of a movement, a state of mind rather than it being just a clothing line. It’s a label on the move. The wearer simply has a Mark Swag tee and goes with it. Man I’m excited and inspired by having to do yet another level that is redefining clothing as well as the designs that inspire these brands. True Maverickz changing the fashion scene in our region!

Ghost is legit people, no funny business here. Mark Swag prides itself with being an innovative international brand of young and fresh designers producing clothing items that may never be repeated again. Sounds like a fad, an item or accessory that reaches its peak quickly and never makes a come-back in the fashion scene again. Also it’s been caught the attention of some South African musicians which is something that is really amazing and impressive as every budding designer desires to have their label worn by some celebrity out there. To them I say Congratulations! Without any further ado, check out this interview

1)        Please introduce yourself?

Marques Ricco Matola, a fashion and graphic designer who happens to be a Mark Swag representative.

2)      Tell us about your brand?

We are an International Brand of innovative, young and fresh designers. Mark Swag prides itself in it's ability to produce a wide variety of clothing that may or may not be repeated. This gives us the opportunity to claim that we are the Most EXCLUSIVE Brand. It was established in 2011. Sweaters cost E320.00, t-shirts E260.00, Snapback Caps E120.00 and Winter Beanies are E80.00.

3)      What makes your brand unique?

It simply has to be the custom fit cut and signature prints on the top of sweaters and t-shirts be it leather, African Tribal Prints or lace at times.

4)      What inspired you to start your brand?

That’s an interesting question which I feel I don’t have an answer to but I’d like to just make a point by saying that it was challenging oneself for the love of fashion because people don’t understand that fashion isn't just getting dressed in fancy apparel. Its more about matching or shall I say complimenting the fit satisfactorily. 

5)      What advice would you give to anyone who wants to start their own brand?

My advice is never be afraid to fail, don’t get lazy and copy people’s ideas, be passionate, last but not least BELIEVE.

6)      Where can or readers buy your stuff?

At the moment Mark Swag is available at EMC Design Studio which is in Manzini, Swaziland, (Casa Minha Building Shop #4) and is also currently available in South Africa, Johannesburg at the East Gate Mall (Carbon Store). Or Order On Facebook or e-mail, support@markswag.com  or www.facebook.com/markswagclothing 

7)      Correct me if I’m wrong but I saw a presenter for Shiz Niz on Craz-e, Evan Creamer, wearing a stunning print of your Mark Swag t-shirts. Did you get any compliments for it in South Africa?

Well, yes. We are working with Evan Creamer of Shiz Niz, also Bass and King Jay of Oskido’s Stable as they featured on Speedy & Stoan’s Aziwe music video wearing the New Mark Swag Tribal Print Sweaters. Female artist Zahara got herself one as well.

8)      From the posts you've made on your brand I get that it makes a statement, has presence and is more of a movement. Its an idea and a state of mind. What would you say is the identity of the brand is?

It’s a trendsetter on its own, it’s about being up to date with fashion, it’s that feel good type of wear. I feel like it’s that type of wear everyone wants to be involved in, it motivates, opens up a challenge for young designers to make them try and come up with their own clothing line.

9)      As with every Art Movement was driven by an idea i.e Futurist, Pop Art, Surrealism, Constructivist movements, etc and as certain events have influenced fashion (e.g Le Smoking by Yves Saint Laurent, the Little Black Dress by Coco Chanel), is there anything that influences you and your brand?

The designers behind Mark Swag are crazy, playing around with different concepts as they produce different kinds of clothing daily. It’s more like implementing creative ideas onto material.

10)  At what level do you hope to take your brand and are there other ventures you’re currently eyeing?

It’s already gone international but that isn't enough because it’s not at a Ralph Lauren level or another international brand most definitely but it appears to be invisible at the moment.

11)  Is the client base growing for your brand and how well is it doing?

Is that a trick question? Well… This winter our target is to push at least 1000 units of sweaters.

12)  And lastly Mark Swag is……

Hold up, what is "Mark Swag"?!!  That’s a question that’s been circulating the Earth’s surface for a couple of years now.  If I could define it: I wouldn't have the best definition because Mark Swag is versatile but one thing I'm certain of is that: Mark Swag is an Alter Ego of a brand of itself, it's Passion, it's Power, it's not just clothing or swag, it's on another level. I’d say its fashion.

Well there you have ladies and gentlemen! A bright, confident young man who believes in the potential as well as power of his brand and who has done very well for himself as having had his brand of t-shirts featured with presenters, upcoming musicians modeling his brand of t-shirts and having a famous musician purchase one for herself – we salute you! We do hope you continue the great work because clearly what you put out there in indeed quality! Till next time darlings, cha-cha!

Blogger Spotlight : Nadja Seale

Hello Fmz family

I trust we are all having a productive start to the week. Or we are just happy. Which ever one :D.

The one thing that starting FMZ has allowed me to do is find fresh fashion faces and brands. To be honest the best thing about this is finding the start up independent brands and people who create simply because they want to. It's inspiring and it motivates me. Now if you don't know where to start and you are looking for something as specific as a blogger or fashionista from your country then LOOKBOOKNU is your place.  I was looking for fresh faces to spotlight when I found Nadja. What I loved about her is:

•  She was the top scorer for South Africa. This basically means she had the most fans and hypes.
•  I love love the whimsical feel to her photography and styling. 
• The fact that she loves vintage was an added bonus for me. 

Without further ado. Meet Nadja Seale.

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Nadja, it is Russian for “hope” and I like to consider myself as an entity with a fair amount of optimism, which might be a branch of hope. I am 28 years young and work as a make-up artist, stylist, ceramic artist, owner/seller of a vintage range called Vintage Vices and I can also put in there, chef. I grew up in a small town in South Africa called Witbank. Apparently where I stay now, it is pretty bad for your “image” to voice that fact, but I like [my] humble beginnings. I studied to become a chef because I like how it combines something that you do everyday (i.e. eating) with art. After that, I studied make-up and prosthetics and started working with a creative agency in South Africa that gave me the opportunity to work for magazines like Elle, Oprah, Fairlady and a few local ones

Please tell us about your blog?

My blog is a visual diary of my everyday feelings, emotions and events that means something to me. I try to combine spirituality with it in an honest manner. It covers basically all of my shortcomings and victories in life. Sometimes I like to talk about fashion but many times the depth of just the physical is a bit dismal

What does fashion mean to you?

In all honestly I don’t always know what fashion is. I look at things that are pretty to me and represents my personality. So I guess I would say fashion is a non-verbal way of communicating with the world and expressing own unique personality, as cliché as it might sound

How would you describe your style?

Earthy, maybe boho …then sometimes I wake up and like grunge..vintage ..I guess I mix it all up to my mood of the day

What inspired you to start blogging?

My everyday life and the fact that it stimulates you so much creatively. Psychosocially it is good to express yourself in written words. In my case it helps my brain to stop and think about my words.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to start a blog?

Be diligent and do it for yourself. Don’t blog with an intention to copy another person do it with your creativity and personality

Do you have any fashion icons?

I really like Steven Tyler’s style. He is pretty bohemian for a guy and makes his clothing work for him. And then I have always loved Katherine Hepburn’s style. She is classic without looking too conservative.

Why should people follow your blog?

mmm… hard question… maybe because I go through daily situations that I write about that people could relate to.

Aside from your blog are you involved in other fashion related projects?

Yes I have a vintage/new clothing range called Vintage Vices and then I work as a freelance stylist and make-up artist for media 24 for various magazines.

 Well I certainly enjoyed getting to know Nadja. I can definitely see the Steve Taylor and Katherine Hepburn influences in her style and I love that she is such a creative soul.

Our aim with fashion maverickz is to give Southern African fashion a voice and to take pride in what we already possess as Southern Africans. I leave you with this today, Challenge yourself creatively. Yes we can't all be designers or bloggers but there are so many other things we can get involved in. Creativity is the future.

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

Blogger Spotlight : Leanne

Hello Lovelies

So In true SAFB spirit we bring you another fabulous blogger. Leanne from South Africa. We stumbled on her blog by mistake and haven't looked back since. This lady is chic, elegant, quirky and her blog just leaves you wanting more.  We love it and suggest that you follow her blog here. 

She is a lover of Zara just like us and she has taught as a few things today. We discovered the blond salad and some useful blogging and shopping tips.  We would love to say a big thank you to Leanne. for taking part in our blogger spotlight. You guys please remember to check out her blog www.arumlilea.blogspot.com
We hope you fall in love with her just as much as we did. Here is what Leanne had to say: 


Name
Leanne Christine

Tell us about your blog
Arum Lilea, my blog, is my creative expression.  I write about my personal style and travel adventures.  I love playing with styles and creating new looks with the clothes I already own.  I also love to explore the world, different languages and cultures so by incorporating both loves into my blog I’ve married my two greatest interests.

How would you describe your style?
My style varies.  Generally I opt for a preppy-chic look as I’m drawn to collars and structured tailoring but there are days where I change it up and might come across a little more Boho. 

What made you start your blog
My sister and my best friend introduced me to their favourite blogs and I began to follow them too.  One day I decided I’d try my hand at this blogging thing and it just grew from there.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to start a blog?
Go for it!  It’s so much fun to try something new.  If you’re wondering whether you should, just take the leap and dive right in.

Do you have any fashion icons? ( please elaborate if you do)
My sister is most definitely my first and foremost fashion icon.  That girl’s got style! She makes the odd appearance on Arum Lilea so keep a look out for her.  I also love to see what Olivia Palermo, the Blonde Salad and the Pink Peonies are wearing.

How often do you shop ?
I probably shop about once a week.  I might not buy anything but I like to see what’s in store.  
                                           

Where is your favourite place to shop?
I love Zara and Mr Price.      
           

Why should people follow your blog?
I really don’t take myself too seriously which people might find entertaining.  For the most part I’d like to inspire people to play with clothes in their wardrobes as opposed to making them want to hit the stores and spend fortunes.  I like to make simple suggestions to transform an outfit into something special and I think my tips are pretty useful for anyone to try.

       

Blogger Spotlight : Lubunga

Hello lovelies

Part of our initiative is to showcase all you lovely fashionistas out there. So today we will be taking you to Zambia to see what's up.

Lubunga is the name of the lovely blogger we will be looking at today her blog http://kusefashiondiary.blogspot.cz/ is refreshing and full of original and awesome ideas. This lady sure knows how to rock that natural hair like no body's business. She is effortlessly stylish and is the go to lady on how to wear a turban. I have dubbed her the Queen of sunnies which she says is her ultimate accessory. She also know a thing or two about handbags ( Zara we see you ) and  hair ( if we are ever in Zambia we know who to call).

Anywho we will let you guys fall in love with her for yourselves. Check it out:

Name ?

Lubunga lucindi Chawelwa

Tell us about your blog?

First and foremost thank you for including me in this project. The name of my blog is Kusefashiondiary.

How would you describe your style?

I love diversity, and colour. I have no idea if that describes style. I am slowly trying to ease some minimalism into my style, but will see where that leads to. In short I am still trying to find and define my style.

Let me try to be more specific, I am one never to leave the house without a pair of sunnies, after sunnies earrings are my favourite accessory. I think less is more, besides you do not need all those accessories in one outfit, watch, chains, earrings, sunglasses, handbag, hat. Most often than not, a little really does go a long way.

What made you start your blog?

This is a tough one. The goal is to eventually turn the blog into an online magazine of sorts or even a printed one for that matter. I love fashion, and I want what I wear to be documented and shared with the world. Even though I do not blog as often as I would love to, it certainly gives me pleasure to share whenever I can. I am very patriotic at heart and I love sharing about my mother land, Zambia and I have found that writing is very enjoyable. I truly become me whenever I blog.

Blogging to me is like a diary, but in this case instead of only words it contains pictures as well.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to start a blog?

Go on right ahead. Be warned it is harder than it seems. A lot of effort and care has to be put in, if you want a successful blog. Also it must be something you really want to do, otherwise you will just be wasting your precious time. Do your homework, research online for other blogs similar to what you would like to do for some inspiration. Do not be discouraged, all great blogs out there had a humble beginning.

Do you have any fashion icons? ( please elaborate if you do)

My aunt Esther (my mum’s young sister) was my first fashion icon. She had the most amazing outfits, her jewellery and her hair were always on point. She is one of the first few people I saw jumbo/box braids on, and boy did she style them so beautifully.

Victoria Beckham is another of my icons, are style is timeless and she always dresses to impress. In other words her style is impeccable. She always looked polished and that is my favourite thing about her.

Rihanna has great style, I love her mostly for her hair styles.

How often do you shop?

Truth be told I shop a lot, I am actually working on the fact that I need to take it easy on shopping. Off topic I would love to shop on behalf of people who are too busy to do it themselves (LOL).

Where is your favourite place to shop?

I have no specific favourite place to shop. But I love shopping at malls, because there is such a variety of shops and items available. Flea markets and second hand/vintage shops are places I frequent. You will often find unique and or designer items for a serious bargain in such places.

Why should people follow your blog?

My blog is a work in progress. People should follow my blog for a number of reasons, to be fashionably informed on fashion matters, hair and beauty. To discover how beautiful this other side of the world, also as a platform to exchange ideas. Etc

Eventually will also focus on food, health and nutrition, fitness and other matters.

As always stay blessed.

That was awesome :). We hope you enjoyed this post as much as we did. 

Remember to check out Lubunga's blog for her awesome updates and like her page on Facebook.

Until next time lovelies. We would love to thank Lubunga for allowing us to interview her and sharing her world with us. 

Thanks for reading. Don't forget to follow us on twitter @safb2013 and like us on Facebook 

Love 

SAFB