Stop offering exposure as payment, says fashion designer

Mthabisi Tsuma, Showbiz Reporter
Through his fashion brand named Indwangu, the word Xhosa which means cloth, fashion designer Mthobi Sibanda wanted to change the game with his designs and needed people to support him.

The new kid on the block designs a variety of outfits that include Haute Couture and bridal wear.

Haute couture is the creation of exclusive clothing tailored to the needs. This is a high-end fashion design that is handcrafted from start to finish, made of high quality fabrics.

Chronicle Showbiz meets up-and-coming designers whose work shows their youthful spirit.

Academically correct with a National Diploma in Fashion Design from Bulawayo Polytechnic College, Mthobi ventured into the fashion world in 2016.

“I joined the fashion industry around 2016 and started by styling people, changing their clothes by ripping off jeans and dyeing T-shirts. I am very passionate about my work and I am motivated by the environment around me. My creativity is limitless because I design images and get inspiration from everything around me,” says Mthobi.

One cannot speak of Haute Couture and not mention Tapfumanei Munenge who runs the Enigma brand which has the likes of Kikky BadA$$, Miss Becky and Pokello as ambassadors. As someone who is interested in this fashion category, Mthobi admits that he has worked with Munenge who has helped him a lot.

“My biggest achievement was my internship at Tapfumanei Munenge because she is one of the biggest fashion designers in the country. Through working with her, I was able to get along with different people including celebrities like Madam Boss.

“As someone who just came straight from college, it’s a really great achievement because that’s the desire of every young designer or novice,” said Mthobi.

Mthobi says the main challenge he continues to face is people not appreciating him.

“The main challenge I face is people who want to pay us in kind, not cash.

My vision is to become one of the leading fashion brands in Zimbabwe so that they fly the Zimbabwean flag high,” he said.

Mthobi has exhibited his work at the Intwasa koBulawayo Art Festival twice, a platform he says has become a great marketing tool.

“It’s the only show that has ever given me a token of appreciation,” he said. – @mthabisi_mthire.