Passion won’t go out of fashion
Nhlanhla Nciza, lead singer of Afro-pop group Mafikizolo, talks to Thekiso Anthony Lefifi about debuting her NN Vintage collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg 2015, how she spends her money and the challenges facing the fashion industry
Does fashion designing bring fortune or just fame? And which do you prefer?
In South Africa, you have to be in the industry for a long time so you can build your brand — only then will you start making your fortune.
I would have to say fortune, because with passion comes rewards, and, unfortunately, fame does not pay for your children’s school fees, university tuition or your bond. How do you approach designing compared to singing?
Both require creativity and inspiration. With music you get your music, go home, work on a song and, in a couple of days, you are in a studio recording, whereas in fashion you sketch the designs, go look for fabrics and it’s off to the studio to put a garment together, but sometimes it’s the fabric first, then design. Is there pressure for you to be as good at designing as you are at singing?
Pressure is always there in ev- erything I do because I always strive to be among the best. When you are succeeding, there will always be pressure, but it’s
good pressure as it pushes one to work even harder. Are fashion designers in South Africa respected or glorified as much as their counterparts in Europe or the US?
We are a young democracy — we were accepted in the international world only 21 years ago — but already designers like David Tlale are making a name for themselves and the country by showcasing on big international stages. My own label, NN Vintage, is starting to get recognition across Africa. Over time we will be a force to be reckoned with as South African designers. Are young designers paid well enough early on in their career?
No one is ever paid enough early in their careers. The harder you work, the more growth you get, the more you earn. In your opinion, are international clothing brands entering South Africa killing fashion boutiques and, eventually, South African designers’ careers?
There are positives and negatives. If the brands are original international brands, then it’s good, as we are able to measure ourselves against the best. It only becomes bad for local designers if there are a lot of fake clothes flooding the market. Is the fashion industry growing in South Africa and Africa?
Yes. Africans are very creative people and fashion is a part of our culture. Even under difficult circumstances the industry continues to grow. [Events] such as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg and Africa Fashion-Week continue to give platforms to de- signers to showcase their work on an international level. How important are fashion weeks, and what do they cost?
They are very important at a particular stage of your career. When your brand is growing, you have to showcase among the best. You also get the opportunity to be exposed to a wider market. They cost a lot, and only established designers can afford it. What is your advice to youngsters starting out?
Try to be unique so that you can find space in the market. How do you deal with egos?
I try to focus on my work and ignore all the negative energy around me. How do you deal with criticism?
Because I’ve been in entertainment, I learn from positive criticism and ignore the negative criticism. It also helps to surround yourself with positive people who understand your vision. Are you an easy tipper, or do waiters have to work hard for it?
Definitely an easy tipper, depending on the treatment, of course. What is the one thing you carelessly spend tons of money on?
Sunglasses; working on that weakness How do you invest your money?
My business and property. How important is financial literacy to you?
It’s very important not only to me but to any person who earns money and even more to people who own a business, as it is a core skill in running a business.