Black Manner is the deal in town

15 Jul, 2018 - 00:07 0 Views
Black Manner is the deal in town Mthandazo Ngwenya

The Sunday News

Mthandazo Ngwenya

Mthandazo Ngwenya

Nigel Siziba, Sunday Life Reporter
SOME are blessed with the wisdom to alter their talents into businesses which they see themselves depending on for the rest of their lives.

Talking of talents and business let me take you to the tale of a young fashion designer who discovered business in his talent at the age of 16 where at this stage some teenagers will be high in drugs, girls and swag.

Mthandazo Ngwenya from Mpopoma in Bulawayo, the founder and owner of Black Manner, a rising clothing label, who at the narration of his business says it started as a talent and love for drawing.

“I fell in love with art when I was still at a high school — Cyrene Boarding School where I did art as a subject, after realising that I was talented I started designing my own things and after completing my Ordinary Level I listened to my calling and decided to have my own label,” said Mthandazo.

The label was launched in 2015 and it is unique from other labels as it specialises on top wear only which include caps, t-shirts and hoods.

“I named it Black Manner just to show the world that black people can also do anything in their own way” he said.

He also said in terms of clothing labels Zimbabwe has a few recognised clothing labels.

“If you look at Zimbabwe we have a few popular clothing labels, the only popular label here is Faith Wear and my ambition is to make Black Manner one of the finest clothing labels locally and internationally”, said Mthandazo.

His good works have not gone unrecognised as he has won some awards for his good works.

“In 2017 I was honoured to be given an outstanding music promoter award in Entumbane Merit Awards as I sometimes dress artistes and presenters in their shows and I was also chosen to print Black Motion t-shirts, it always feels good to be recognised as an artiste”, he said.

He further said he has taken Black Manner beyond the borders.

“Last year I was lucky as I was selected to go and represent Zimbabwe in Zambia Court Expo where I did well as I attracted many people, because of my distinct products and Zimbabwe chose me as a young fashion designer for the country,” he said.

Mthandazo said he is facing a few challenges in trying to push further his clothing label because of foreign influence.

“Things have not been rosy as most of the people prefer foreign labels to local ones and also funding as I am working on my own and it is hard convince people that local labels are also the best,” said Ngwenya.
@sizlaNigel

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