East London fashion designer Onwaba Mleve will showcase her stunning designs at New York Fashion Week in February this year.
The proud owner of Zazi Clothing Brand was headhunted after her designs were seen on social media.
Mleve says this was a once in lifetime opportunity and she was excited to show the world what she could do.
“It still feels unreal but it means the world because I never thought it would happen so soon and it’s what the business needed for the growth and expansion plans. We have so much growth and more jobs to be created,” Mleve said.
With no set theme, designers had been given creative freedom to showcase any message they saw fit.
“The message we always share is with our work is ‘Zazi’, which means be proud of who you are,” Mleve said.
Zazi clothing specialises in making imibhaco (traditional Xhosa dress) fashionable. She makes it fit for everyday wear and even attracts other cultures to feel good in traditional attire.
Mleve received her spiritual calling (yobugqirha), which she said gave her the guidance throughout her business ventures.
“In my designs, I take inspiration from everything, and knowing my clients, or rather Zazi family, and developing that relationship and bond makes it easy as I do what I feel a client needs. It is a part of my journey to heal through clothing.
“Some designs come to me in my dreams, and I also check trends to keep up with the times,” Mleve said.
While Mleve and her team are excited and working hard to prepare for the trip, she has said the support from customers has been great, but the fashion industry is in dire need of support from the government as well.
“We just need more support, not only from our supporters but from the government and the private sectors because this opportunity is not just about Zazi but about SA.
“The growth that will happen after this trip and jobs that will be created will make an impact that counts,” she said.
