Mabena bloods a new designer
The hot young designer will dress her for the 2018 Samas. RYAN KEYS: ‘HE GETS ME,’ SAYS TV STAR MABREEZUS
No stranger to the red carpet, TV presenter and hip-hop artist Nomuzi Mabena has her own lane in terms of fashion when attending events. Known for her bold use of colour, jewellery and an unapologetic grunge look, this is a woman who lives in the moment, despite what the critics say.
Having first stepped onto the scene, only she could execute her balanced, overwhelming use of accessories. Mabena has stood out as a daring woman who raises the bar when it comes to looks off and on the camera.
Like any fashion-forward celebrity, she has made fashion mistakes which she believes have helped her get more in tune with her own style and brand.
“Over the past years at the Samas (South African Music Awards) I have tried to make people aware that I, too, was a recording artist – more so in the hip-hop scene – but that has changed. I am more relaxed and confident. In fact so confident that I am even going back to being the risk taker that I am. Heck, I am even using a different designer this year.”
In an effort to be keep her spot in the music fraternity, the ambitious rapper set out to find a team which would help her establish a look that would keep flashes solely on her on the red carpet.
That meant turning to one of SA’s best haute couture designer, Gert-Johan Coetzee. The two have joined forces in creating a new era of “Mabreezus” (as her fans and supporters call her).
“Every time I have worn a Gert-Johan dress I felt like royalty. His designs make you believe and feel like you are part of a monarchy. He pays so much attention to detail it’s almost too perfect. The dress I wore last year was hand beaded in India and it just made me pop out on the red carpet, definitely among the best looks so far.”
Having settled on a look which works for both her Vuzu Amp and rap music fans, who look forward to her trend-blazing fashion, Mabena has sought out the skills of another young designer, Ryan Keys, for this year’s awards ceremony.
Paired with her two-year running partnership with American shoe brand Steve Madden, the only thing we can be certain of is that heads will turn at this year’s Samas.
“I am working with Ryan, who has dressed me already for a couple of events, and I honestly love everything to do with his dresses. He gets me. His dresses are sexy, feminine with a touch of gracefulness. I am wearing something from his latest collection which I have been obsessed with since I saw it on the runway. It’s gold and I am going to rock it like a boss.”
[Ryan’s] dresses are sexy, feminine with a touch of gracefulness.