FIND OUT WHAT FASHION MEANS FOR ABRANTIE THE GENTLEMAN?

Abrantie The Gentleman is one of the most prominent fashion brands in Africa which has produced a number of fashion collections,which have been showcased around the globe.Oheneba Yaw Boamah (OB) the founder of the brand tells Tapiwa Rubaya (TR) the journalist in an interview about what  Abrantie The Gentleman 2017 collections will be about.

TR:who is Abrantie The Gentleman
OB:Abrantie The Gentleman is the name of a menswear clothing brand founded by Oheneba Yaw Boamah who is the founder and creative head.

TR:When was Abrantie The Gentleman established and what challenges did you face back then?
OB:The brand is working on its 5th year now as Abrantie The Gentleman.It started as a ready to wear brand and textile print design company having produced numerous Ghanaian African prints we see on today's market.

TR:What motivates you in the fashion industry?
OB:I will say motivation comes around,from the environment and everyday life living ...coming from an artist background,everything around us have art and art forms which is beautiful when studied careful i will say that motivates me.

TR:How do you manage pressure as you have to spend time with your family?
OB:We don't have pressure in our dictionary... We love what we do and the family is fashion.Working as family is family is spending times as family.Our work is our life,we are happy when we are working.That's our life as family.

 TR:When it comes to the African fashion industry.What words can you use to define the African Fashion industry?
OB:Words like colour,Ethnic,life,Heritage,Nature,New age,comes in mind.Because African fashion is seen recently as the hope of the fashion world wide now.

TR:What are some ways that can be used to improve the fashion industry in Africa?
OB:African fashion industry needs proper systems and structure,regulations and bodies in general to control or check our production ...There is a great deal with our fashion but problems like finishing ...branding and logistics to production still keeps us little back.

TR:Last year you showcased in a number of runways which one is your memorable one and why ?
OB:Every runway I showcased comes with its own memories because I am a storyteller when it comes to my fashion world ...
Yes i always say Italy Milan show was great beacuse it was outside Africa and our story to the world was historic and cultural.We didn't just showcased clothes but also preached about how fabrics are made from the raw state here in Africa to finished garment ...kente (woven wrap and weft yarns was our subject and main highlight in the collection i showcased.

TR:This year which top runways are you expecting to showcase your collection ?
OB:Have few in the pipeline ...South Africa Menswear,Milan,London fashion week, and other European shows pending.

TR:Previously you released two collections 'Ayeyi' and G Man.This year what is the name of the collection you will be releasing and what is its inspiration?
OB:'Ayeyi' (Praise) and G man are great collections by all standards.We are working on two collections this year.After our country (Ghana) had change of Gvt we have noticed our orders have gone more of executive we've noticed our orders have gone more of executive looks so we working on a work related looks for classic men.
Me of the collection not yet confirmed but the second collection which will come middle of the year will be more colourful and bright in future.

TR:Your brand Abrantie The Gentleman has been showcasing around the globe ,different types of collections.How has the world accepted your brand.
OB:I can say it has gain grounds all over because our clients cut across the globe and recognition from all over tell us that gradually with what we do best...We will get there.

 TR:You got married last year congrats.Your wife is a model and you're a fashion designer are we going to see you working together in future?
OB:Thank you.My wife is a model we work  closely together because she is mostly on shows I showcase...She was recently the face of Africa Fashion Week Amsterdam which I showcased on and we were on Durban fashion fair together.

 TR:Can you state some celebrities whom Abrantie The Gentleman has designed for since its established?
OB:I don't mostly like when I mention celebs the brand has...expensive and for only celebs.But hey ..we have clothed from footballers such as Michael Essien countless musicians from gospel to circular artists,film actors,boxer etc You just name them...

 TR:Any wise words....
OB:passion should also come first .Fashion business is serious business and must be taken as such .

TR:Thank you very much for your time
OB:My pleasure.Thank you for having me.

By Tapiwa Rubaya

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Tapiwa Rubaya Catch up with two of the top models from AMMFI who will be participating in Mpumalanga Fashion and Design Week Spring Summer 2017

 As weeks becomes days and days becomes hours,one can actually smell the presence of the Mpumalanga Fashion and Design Week Spring Summer 2017.Two AMMFI of  models Shadel Noble and Mo  who are among models,who are to participate as models during the MFDW.Are interviewed by Tapiwa Rubaya the journalist who questions them about the journey they have walked along with AMMF and what they are expecting at the Mpumalanga Fashion and Design Week.

 Meet Shadel Noble (24),Zimbabwean
Q:Define yourself...
A:I am an easy going character kind of quiet but enjoy socializing and meeting new people.

Q:Take us to your modelling Journey...
A:I started modelling with fingers in 2016 I graduated top of my class and I also won the male model of the year.It was a difficult challenge as a lot of competition in these events that I competed in I had to be determined and confident.

Q:Your inspiration ...
A:My friends encourage me  to give it a go.

 Q:State some of the runways that you have participated in...
A:Swaziland fashion week,Jan Jams Men's wear fashion show;Ekurhuleni fashion festival,Royal Family Fashion show (in Limpopo),Intwasa Fashion show,Matabeleland fashion week.

Q:You are the first ever AMMFI International brand ambassador.Since 2015 what has it been like for your career as an ambassador of AMMFI?
A:It really has been very exciting and thrilling as they have been special movements that i have experienced.

Q:What are somethings that you have achieved as the brand ambassador?
A:It has opened up opportunities for me to be able to participate in events which really i am grateful to be at.

Q:Besides being a model,what else are you good in besides modelling ?
A:I love my basketball of which i play for a club which is rated third in my country (Zimbabwe).I represented my country in the under 16s and 18s team i also represented my province (Bulawayo) during the All Africa youth games for four years,as sport it is an important  part of my life as well i am a community basketball coach at a junior level.


Q:What do you think is the main aim of the AMMFI for bringing all their international guests for MFDW?
A:Its to showcase the elegance of the models and as well the beauty of fashion through clothes.


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 MEET MOE ALLAM (20) EGYPT

Q:Tell us about yourself?
A:I am More Allam.I am one big life fanatic! If anyone were to ask me "what I do ?".My answer would be "that I live " I don't fit under category.Yes ,I am a model but sometimes you will see me behind the camera to or styling someone.I just can't be limited to one thing because I am here to live.

Q:You have  been part of AMMFI the mother brand for MFDW since 2015 and you are also part of its winter season brand for MFDW AW 17/18.How has it been for you?
A:AMMFI was my very first building block into what my career even  right now.Samuel the father of the organisation has always seen the greatest in everyone and he always ensures that we all work as a team not separate individuals.The expensive is very exciting but still a lot of hard work ahead of us to ensure that MFDW is a well established event.I am loving every step of it and i am ready to take it head on.

Q:Take us to your bio in the modelling scene?
A:My breach in the modelling industry was a favour that turned to passion.During my first year at Wits.My friend Francis,was approached by two ladies from Jubilee,a girl free.They asked him and I to be models for their charity fashion show After doing that show there were two designers that saw a talent I have seen in years.
So from fragile age of 18 I was propelled into the industry .I have modeled for South Africa Fashion week,I have worked with Liberado,Flying Fish ,Side step,Vintage Zionist etc.

Q:What can people expect from you as you will be walking for home stage production?
A:I am not here to set expectations.I have always believed you can never force greatness it always happens effortlessly.But one thing to expect for sure is that the AMMFI family is ready for the world to see us.

Q:Your inspiration is
A:This is always a hard one to answer.My inspiration comes from my best friend John Malgas and Travis Scott.The reason why my best friend is my inspiration is not because he pushes me or any conventional ways to inspire one.
Bare in mind that my best friend is a music producer.Travis Scott being my favourite artist doesn't make him inspiring to me.However  he lives a life to the fullest and he tries to show us all that we can too. I am a die hard enthusiasts.

Q:Favorite saying:
A:There are two versions of my favorite sayings "trust " and trust,in the motion "there is  not always time to explain at times so if I tell you to trust me.You need to know that no questions need to be asked trust and your answer will lay in front.

                                                                                  By Tapiwe

Everson from Everdesign eager to showcase their latest collection at the season premier of Mpumalanga Fashion and Design Week SS17

 Born in Malawi in 1991 at Blantyre is Everson Matewere were the fashion designer and the brain child of the 'Everdesign' label.Everson is currently based in South Africa and is one of the male designers who are to showcase their collections in the upcoming Mpumalanga Fashion Design Week in February. 

 

 Everson's journey in the fashion industry began after he was inspired by his uncle who reside in Malawi who is tailor.
"I felt in love with the fashion and design when I visited my uncles shop who was a tailor back home in Malawi.Whenever i came back from school,i used to visit my uncle and learn how to use  the sawing machine how to cut and stitch,"narrated Everson.

In 2009 Mr Matewere migrated to South Africa where he obtained his education in fashion under 'Priss Designs'.He then created his own fashion label in 2014 which was named 'World of Beauty Fashion and Designs'.The label became the face of the African fashion Alive in 2015,after he was involved in a competition.Which had well known fashion designers who include the prominent designers such as the 2015 Soweto fashion week winner Zamaswari.Last year the 'World of Beauty Fashion Design' label gave birth to the Everdesign.

 Everson said he was happy to be among designers who are to showcase in the Mpumalanga Fashion Design Week.Also he said he hopes  to create connections in the fashion world at to learn a number of things.

"I think this fashion show will help me to get more connections in the fashion industry and to learn things from my fellow designers,"he said.

He went further to say he hopes to exchange ideas with some regional designers who are coming from other countries such as Zimbabwe.

 The name of the collection that Everson will be showcasing is called 'Define'.
Everson urged African Gvts and private organisations to play major role in empowering fashion local and African regional programs.
"Yes I think Gvt and other African organisations should play a particular role in the fashion industry because the competition is too high against import.
"It happens that GVT and other organisation they take their uniform/work suits to China to make them while there is a African qualified designer who can do even better job right here.Its about time they should start supporting  local designers,"lamented Everson.

By Tapiwa Rubaya

Wazal presents their latest collection called ova suckled 2016/2017 Wazal collection 2016/2017 Called "Ova Tété" This collection is inspired by a Cameroonian slang 'ova' which means bigger and noble person

  This collection is inspired by a Cameroonian slang 'ova' which means bigger and noble person. And Tété which refers to chic and bourgeois. In addition, the word chic here is used to describe the amazing and modern appearance of the clothing.

STYLE AYISSI NGA Joseph-Marie aka JJ DU STYLE is a fashion designer who creates very chic street wear. The French/Cameroonian designer whose father was a tailor, has decided to follow the footsteps of pioneer Cameroonian fashion designers such as Imane Ayissi and Martial Topolo by creating his own clothing line called 'WAZAL' which was launched in 2005. In 2006, he launched his first designs which are worn by some celebrities such as SINGUILA, Alpeco, WAYNE BECKFORD, ROMARIC Koffi and Lalcko. His brand "WAZAL" is a blend of “WAZA”, the name of a natural park in the extreme north of Cameroon and the letter “L” which stands for Lion, the Cameroonian symbol

 The natural park symbolizes respect, while the lion symbolizes power. WAZAL COUTURE fashion universe expresses more of casual wear in a constant search of innovations, new styles and creativity. In the mixture of many various colors, and various prints, he adds and blends other materials such as pure cotton, denim jean, wax, leather, fur, synthetic just to name a few. He went through a professional training in VANESSA RUIZ fashion school in Paris and he later on specialized in creating tuxedo jackets. The first was thus created in 2013 under the declination "Tete fly." In 2013, he was part of the guests of the Ambassador of Cameroon to Paris for the exhibition of the feast of the Cameroonian youth and the Fashion Night Lounge at the Elysee Palace in Paris, where he presented his three concepts: WazalRock, fly Tété and Africafutur. These concepts are based on criteria which since the beginning symbolized his career: Daring, Respect and Creation.Wazal cuts and designs are impressive and modern; moreover it follows the latest trends today.

Meet one of Zimbabwe's most popular fashion designer Ngoni Motsi,he is also preparing to showcase at Mpumalanga Fashion and Design Week Spring/Summer 2017 in South Africa.

 Ngoni Motsi (NM) is one of the most popular designers in Zimbabwe whose label Chenna Nenni has made waves in the fashion industry in Zimbabwe.Ngoni Motsi is being interviewed by Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR) about his (Ngoni Motsi's) upcoming collection which his launching in February.

TR:Take us to your bio in the fashion industry ...
NM:Chenna Nenni is a year old luxury fashion label, which, in 2016 was in three fashion shows, Madam C Hre, (Royals Collection), The September Fashion Issue Hre, (Joy Collection) and iFashion Fest Byo, (Risks Collection).  It sponsored an African Themed line it did not release at the Miss University of Zimbabwe, and was in a couple of videos like the Hit song Mukoko by Tytan and Ammara Brown. It was also part of the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe as well.

TR:What type of fashion designs in terms of themes do you mainly focus in?
NM:Chenna Nenni focuses more on clothes for events, bridal wear, luxury unique pieces and accessories, plus anything else that a client might specifically need.

TR:Who are some celebs who have won you own designs?
NM:RnB singer/song writer Cindy Munyavi, Hollywood Lee, Tytan of the Mukoko hit single, Gospel artist Kudzai Sevenzo, Miss Tourism Zimbabwe voice and co-MC Rebecca Muchenje, news anchor and Miss Tourism Finalist, Afro jazz sensation Eve Kawadza, Hip Hop Queen Dice, former Miss Zimbabwe Emily Kachote, and many more.

TR:Are Zimbabwean customers supportive when it comes to local designers, designed clothes?
NM:They are not really supportive, as they prefer Chinese products sold in boutiques more. Most people only come to use when arises an event which has a dress code that  they cannot buy in the boutiques.
 
TR:How do you make sure local buyers to buy your designs and how do you make sure your collection designs reach out to the public?
NM:We market at lot, on social media and in magazines. Plus our clothes market themselves more, as most of our clients are referrals.

TR:Which shop retailers around the country can your customers find your collection designs?
NM:Cindy’s fashion Corner, Hip Hop empire and a few more outlets this 2017.

TR:How do you manage to copy in terms of the competiton within the market between the local designers and regional designers ?
NM:Fashion like music is an art, and you really cannot compare two musicians’ music directly as people have different choices and tastes influenced by background, demography and a lot of things. You can only compare two artists with their sales, which is also relative in a way, as another artist might prefer less or no sales but the certification of their work. So the only competition we have is ourselves

TR:You are to introduce your fashion collection in February. briefly tell us what the collection is about and what inspired you to do this collection
NM:Chenna Nenni’s next collection will be called  Midas Coal and it is going to be more elegant, and more high fashion, as we are concentrating more on detail and design. Our next collection is going to be mostly female, and it will also include a new complete jewellery line that we have been working on for a while now, and it will be stocked in a shop to be mentioned later the week after the show.

TR:when is this collection going to launched in February?
NM:In the 11th of February at the Fashion Designers Expo Zimbabwe, Fashion Fights Cancer at News Cafe.

TR:After the launch of your collection are we going to see the collection being showcased in several runways?
NM:After the launch, the collection is going to be showcased in Bulawayo at the Summer Fashion Awards on 14 February and Johannesburg  South Africa at the launch of the Mpumalanga Fashion and Design Week MFDW on the 25th of February.

TR:After the release of the design what is next for you and your brand.
NM:After the Launch, and the other two fashion shows, Chenna Nenni goes Retail.

                                                                                                                                 By Tapiwa Rubaya