Stop giving exposure as payment, says fashion designer

Mthabisi Tshuma, showbiz reporter
Through his fashion brand named Indwangu, an Xhosa word meaning fabric, fashion designer Mthobi Sibanda wants to be a game-changer with his designs and needs people to support him.

The new kid on the block designs a variety of clothing that includes high fashion and bridal wear.

Haute couture is the creation of exclusive tailor-made clothing. It is a premium fashion design that is hand built from start to finish, made from high quality fabrics.

Chronicle Showbiz met the up-and-coming designer whose works showcase the youthful spirit he possesses.

Academically correct with a national degree in fashion design from Bulawayo Polytechnic College, Mthobi ventured into the fashion world in 2016.

“I joined the fashion industry around 2016 and started styling people, giving their clothes a makeover by ripping jeans and dyeing t-shirts. I am very passionate about my work and I am motivated by the environment around me. My creativity is not limited as I design designs and take inspiration from everything around me, ”said Mthobi.

We can’t talk about Haute Couture without talking about Tapfumanei Munenge who runs the Enigma brand which has Kikky BadA $$, Miss Becky and Pokello as ambassadors. As someone with an interest in this fashion category, Mthobi said he worked with Munenge which really helped him.

“My greatest achievement has been being an intern with Tapfumanei Munenge because he is one of the biggest fashion designers in the country. By working with him, I was able to meet different people including celebrities like Madame Boss.

“As a person coming straight out of college, it was indeed a huge achievement as it was the wish of any young designer or start-up,” Mthobi said.

Mthobi said the main challenge he continues to face is from people who don’t like him.

“The main challenge I have faced is that of people who want to pay us in kind rather than cash.

My vision is to become one of the leading fashion brands in Zimbabwe in order to carry the Zimbabwean flag high, ”he said.

Mthobi has presented his works twice at the Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo, a platform he says has been a great marketing tool.

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