Designer’s work takes classic twist

Sindi’s beautiful solutions showcased in the Bay

INTERNATIONALLY recognised fashion designer Thula Sindi has been in the Bay showcasing his designs. Sindi, 32, who is celebrating 10 years in the business, showed off his signature item, the twist dress, at an East Cape Wool Week fashion and interior design exhibition at Walmer Park.

He was there last Wednesday, along with former Port Elizabeth designer Thabo Makhetha and Elle Rising Star Design Award 2014 winner Tamara Chèrie Dyson.

Born in Klerksdorp, Sindi realised his interest while he was a Grade 12 pupil at the National School of Arts in Johannesburg.

“I was always into visual art but design was the best way for me to combine my love for visual arts and fashion,” he said.

And even though he had the passion, it was watching his mother’s effortless “vintage style” that made him pursue a career in fashion design.

He studied further at the London International School of Fashion in Johannesburg.

In an industry where employment opportunities are few and far between, Sindi developed his own range in 2006 and it hit the runway at South African Fashion Week that same year.

“I wanted to create my own type of brand that isn’t too trendy, but rather classic in style.

“Growing up, I watched my mother wear timeless pieces and that is what I wanted to create.

“This was at a time when people were buying clothes for the sake of buying clothes and not because the clothes would last,” Sindi said.

Sindi’s designs have shown in Hong Kong, Beijing, New York, Paris, Boston, Washington, Nigeria, Kenya, Namibia and Angola, but he described his early years as a designer as difficult. “When I started, it was hard. “The question I got from people was: ‘Is that it?’

“But now I have two stores based in Johannesburg as well as an online store,” he said.

Sindi attributed the success of his brand to a good support system including dedicated staff and understanding what your customers wanted.

To celebrate his decade in the industry Sindi said he was drawing up a bucket list of 10 things to do this year – two of which he has done.

“I recently bought my own design studio, which is the whole floor of a building in the Joburg CBD. I am glad I don’t have to have neighbours anymore.

“Second is compiling and publishing a coffee table design book that people can enjoy in the comfort of their homes.”

Sindi prides himself on his signature twist dress which is inspired by his customers’ lives and his aim to create fashion solutions. He added that he thought African fashion was unique.

“Unlike in other demographics where fashion is dictated by one specific shape, the different shapes that people come in, here, make African fashion different for everyone.

“It is for that reason that people can express themselves in many dynamic ways.”

The fashion expert said he foresaw metallics returning in winter this year, with people sporting fewer accessories.

Sindi found Wool Week interesting as he uses a lot of wool for his garments. “I usually don’t focus on the raw materials, and seeing the durable material has been beautiful at a time when people are looking for comfort and longevity in the clothes they wear.

“Wool gives you just that.”