Top designer ventures into dog clothing

Standard Style
Bulawayo designer, Saneliso Mpofu of Sanah Designs has extended her designs as she is working on winter wear for dogs in Cape Town, South Africa.

Bulawayo designer, Saneliso Mpofu of Sanah Designs has extended her designs as she is working on winter wear for dogs in Cape Town, South Africa.

BY SHARON SIBINDI

Saneliso Mpofu takes measurements of a dog
Saneliso Mpofu takes measurements of a dog

Mpofu said her experience in South Africa forced her to think outside the box and face new things, new business as she was exposed to a diverse culture.

“Cape Town forces you to get out of the box as you face new things, new inspirations and new business ideas every day. Where I am working from, I am surrounded by a lot of white people, of which most of them have pets and the love they give to their pets forced them to approach me as a fashion designer to create clothes for their dogs,”she said.

Asked if there was a specific design name for dogs’ clothes, Mpofu told The Standard Style: “There is no specific name for the dog clothes design. I have done army hats for a dog which was attending a Just Nuisance memorial,” she said.

Mpofu said she was shocked that dog clothing was more expensive than human clothing.

“It’s so funny that dogs’ clothing is more expensive than human clothing because it is not an ordinary thing and it demands a lot of creativity. So, to me, designing for dogs is good business that brings more revenue. Though I have challenges like taking measurements for dogs, that in most cases do not want to be irritated, it’s a worthwhile business,” she said.

“People are now coming to the shop with dogs for new designs. I don’t know if it’s the dogs that are marketing themselves or it’s the owner. So far, I have done hats but I am working on the winter collection and it’s so amazing,” she said.

She said this year she was working on pushing her brand, which is to be launched soon in Zimbabwe.

“This year I am working on pushing Sanah Designs around Africa, working hand in hand with South African fashion house called Capestyle which I am designing for and managing. I have been invited to the Africa Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Ghana. I have been invited to inspire and motivate some Dutch students on how I started my business and how we work at Capestyle. Above all, I am taking Zimbabwean fashion global,” she said.

Mpofu will soon attend a World of Exchange function in Cape Town where she will tell her story of how she became an entrepreneur.

“Women never rest. I am just doing what I have to do from here. I am coming to launch my brand in Zimbabwe and I have a fashion show where we will open Sanah Designs shop for people to walk in and buy my designs,”she said.