BY KIMBERLY KARIATI
FASHION designer and proprietor of House of Sparco Dee Fashion, Shingirirai Ishmael Dhlembeu, says his latest designs themed All Is Well are inspired by the global COVID-19 pandemic and encourage society to keep its faith under different circumstances.
In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style, the South African-based designer said the sudden loss of his grandmother due to COVID-19 had a bearing on the themed designs.
“Every year, I launch a theme design to reassure society that God is with them in various challenges they may be facing. This year was a trying time for me as I lost my grandmother who was a pillar of strength in my family,” he said.
“Having been affected, I thought of other families which lost their relatives, jobs, sources of livelihood and decided to use my designs to give them hope. I believe the COVID-19 period is just a phase that will pass, hence the All Is Well message.”
Dhlembeu said youths should be innovative in creating entrepreneurial opportunities for themselves in order to generate income.
“I have been in the clothing business since 2018, but my perspective of fashion changed when I visited China some time ago. I went to a number of manufacturing companies and felt so motivated as I realised fashion designing was my thing,” he said.
“It is then that I decided to start my business and put my name on the map by creating personal designs. I believe young people should utilise their different abilities to create employment for themselves, especially in this time when many have lost their jobs.”
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Dhlembeu said his clientele has expanded as trade increased both locally and in South Africa, adding that his entrepreneurial and product management skills had been helpful in the formulation and marketing of the products.
“Looking at the market I create for my designs that range from hoodies, T-shirts, caps and winter woollies, which attract the young people from the start. I appreciate that my family has been supportive of my work,” he said.
“I want to keep the brand going and expand covering a wide range of clothing by designing clothes that also suit other age groups. I am optimistic that this year’s theme will inspire someone to hold on and never give up in life.”
- Follow Kimberly on Twitter @lizellekimkari
