Hailing from the vibrant regions of KwaZulu Natal, Siyanda KaZondi Mbatha is a rising star in the fashion industry, known for his unique blend of cultural heritage and contemporary style. The Monday Magazine had an opportunity to sit down with Siyanda to discuss his journey, creative process, and vision for the future.
Siyanda KaZondi Mbatha's journey in fashion began in the small village of Masotsheni in KwaZulu Natal, Nquthu. "I moved around a lot growing up, from the villages to Gauteng townships and the city," he shared. After finishing high school in 2017 at Shiyane High School, Siyanda briefly pursued IT & Multimedia at college but dropped out in 2020 to follow his true passion for fashion.
Siyanda's style in fashion has it own uniqueness where he focuses on clothes that set to make you feel comfortable and confident. In which he sets to attract people with his authentic designs which might change the fashion industry.
In 2021, an introduction to Sarah Katayi, founder of Sarah’s World, became a turning point. "Sarah became my mentor, and through her program, I honed my creative skills," Siyanda explained. By 2022, he had moved to Pretoria to pursue fashion full-time and started his own creative company. Despite facing financial difficulties in mid-2023, Siyanda's determination remains unwavering.
Siyanda’s design philosophy is rooted in creativity, aesthetics, and contextual relevance. "I believe in 'stealing like an artist,' as there’s nothing new under the sun. I enhance existing aesthetics to create something unique," he said, referencing the book Steal Like an Artist. His creative process involves studying current fashion trends, drawing inspiration from past styles, and blending these elements to produce innovative and visually pleasing garments.
Siyanda draws inspiration from diverse sources including hip-hop music, South African street culture, and his Zulu heritage. Influenced by fashion greats like Virgil Abloh, David Tlale, and Karl Lagerfeld, he stays ahead by innovating and forecasting what might be aesthetically pleasing in the future. "People like familiarity, so I mix familiar elements with new ideas to create appealing designs," he noted.
Discussing sustainability, Siyanda emphasized the importance of reusing materials. "The world is under siege from waste, so we must find alternative uses for materials," he said. He also highlighted the role of technology, particularly designing software and artificial intelligence, in making the design process more efficient.
Siyanda's personal style is a mix of elegance and creativity. "I advise everyone to dress comfortably but stand out and be unique," he shared. Essential wardrobe items, according to Siyanda, include a cap and baggy pants that complement one’s vibe.
Siyanda has faced significant challenges, including societal pressure and financial constraints. "Coming from a non-wealthy background, everything I’ve achieved has been through hard work," he said. Despite these hurdles, a memorable milestone was purchasing his own work equipment, a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Although Siyanda feels his brand hasn’t evolved as much as he hoped, positive feedback from renowned fashion brands, designers, and fashionistas fuels his dream. "Compliments from industry figures and a few clients give me hope," he mentioned. His vision is to own a shop and showcase his collections at fashion weeks across South Africa.
Siyanda KaZondi Mbatha’s passion for fashion and his innovative approach are truly inspiring. His journey from a small village to the burgeoning fashion scene of South Africa illustrates the power of perseverance and creativity. As he continues to navigate challenges and create stunning designs, Siyanda’s dream of being recognized across South Africa is within reach. We look forward to seeing his future endeavors and the impact he will undoubtedly make in the fashion industry.
Story From Siyanda KaZondi Mbatha
Interviewed by Ntombizodwa Dlamini
Designed by KVN Monday & The MondaysCo.
South Africa, 2024
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