FASHION DESIGNER, SIPHOSIHLE MASANGO DRESSES THE RHOGQ CAST!

Real Housewives fever has hit the African continent in a major way. After the successful seasons of the Johannesburg and Durban franchises, the international format has since shown the lives of successful lives of women in Lagos and Cape Town. And now the show is launching two new franchises- Real Housewives of Abuja and Real Housewives of Gqeberha.?

The announcement of the Gqeberha-set show was met with surprise. Many questioned whether the women in the Eastern Cape, South Africa city would be able to bring the expected luxury, glamour and pizzazz viewers expect. We must wait and see if they will deliver what is expected.

When the show’s promotional reel was released in January, there was a lot of discussion about what the women were wearing. On further investigation, we found out that the yellow, umbhaco-inspired garments the cast were wearing, was designed by Siphosihle Masango of the fashion brand Masango by Siphosihle.

The brand enjoys loyal celebrity following, thanks to being synonymous with couture and eveningwear.

AFI’s Insider spoke to the designer about designing the garments for the show, the state of African fashion and how we storytelling can help people fall in love with African fashion.?

What inspired your designs for The Real Housewives of Gqeberha cast??

I wanted to put together something that was regal but audacious, and fortunately the Xhosa culture has very bold silhouettes and is well known for layered garments. I drew inspiration from their use of intricate patterns and textures. Gold and black are always impactful and felt it would marry the patterns and embellishments well.

After seeing your work for the show, we are certain there will be more interest in your designs. But what other ways can fashion consumer support, African fashion designers?

Supporting is not just buying. Sometimes it is about pitching up and spreading the word about the brand. First, acquaint yourself with the brand’s identity and story. Then engage the brand on, their collections, events, and fashion shows. It is important for consumers to enquire about clearance sales that may be happening. Follow the different designers and acquaint yourself with their work then align your interests, and style with said designer. This way you allow your designer to place some of their design flairs to your style without compromising your individuality. Designers want to make each customer’s experience worthwhile and inspired.

The fashion industry is a difficult one to crack into and become a true success. What has been your experience in being a player in the business of fashion?

The business of fashion is treacherous and cutthroat. You are working with something that?is very personal to people. I am mostly a DTC brand and a lot of times tensions do get high. The way in which people are starting to consume fashion today, is different. The lay person has the buying power whilst the growth of fast fashion has left luxury and bespoke brands with a smaller, niche market to sell to.

How?would you advise emerging fashion designers to navigate the business side of fashion?

Develop a strong brand identity. It is important for you to be able to identify your market and have a solid market share strategy. Focus on quality garments and not quantity. Just like any business, growth is a process. Learn the art of relationship and client management so your business grows. Lastly, take internships or be an assistant designer with a well-established designer; or at least a designer who has more years of experience, so you have a springboard to work from.

What more can we expect from your brand?

From a design perspective?We are working on new ways to bring luxury and couture to African consumers through new silhouettes. Additionally, we are excited to start working on unusual ways to embellish our garments to elevate African luxury.

From a brand perspective we want to start venturing into other parts of the world and walking runways as well as dressing and selling garments outside of Africa.?

AFI is celebrating its 15th anniversary and you have been part of the platform for many years. What has been the highlight for you?

AFI is evolving in so many interesting ways, allowing designers the platform to network, sell and grow. It is an innovative fashion agency, which I am proud to be a part of and hope that they continue to inspire, support and nurture African fashion. Congratulations on turning 15!

The Real Housewives of Gqeberha?airs on 1Magic (Dstv 103) on Fridays at 7.30pm.