Being loud and sexy has come to define the eye-catching work of Siyabonga Mtshali’s fashion brand Siyababa Atelier. Based in Johannesburg, the brand creates wearable art pieces that challenge ideas on beauty, gender and sex.
The 23-year-old from the Richards Bay township of Esikhawini in KwaZulu-Natal is constantly looking to collaborate with other young talents, which has seen him as the main designer behind many of the looks that will take the stage at a unique showing of the fashion-filled Vogue Nights event themed The Extravaganza Ball.
Vogue Nights is an LGBQTQIA+ inclusive event where competitors from different “houses” compete for prizes through their clothing. We learn more about Mtshali’s role and his fashion journey.
Tell us how you got into design
It was in Grade 11. Before that I went into a lot of disciplines, starting as a dancer and I became a poet at some point. But I was inspired by Alexander McQueen and I really wanted to mix art and fashion just to give a fresh take to SA fashion. I was tired of seeing T-shirts, jeans and your normal Afro-chic.
You have often described Siyababa Atelier as gqom luxury apparel. What would define that?
Before I even pick up a pen I spend at least two hours scrolling through YouTube and digging through underground gqom. I think of a runway and a model walking to that specific beat and which clothes would fit it.
You’re going to be a part of Vogue Night’s big return this year. Why was it important for you to be a part of it?
The queer scene is not very relevant in Richards Bay. Coming to Johannesburg I got exposed to it and it was real and something I consumed with ease. People must expect my extravagance, sex and being loud.
What makes an event like Vogue Nights so important for people to see?
I think it's something that could educate conservative South Africans. Just to expose them to a different culture so they can be outside their comfort zones and see what being loud and being yourself is.
Your clothes don’t fit to one gender. What has pushed you towards being gender fluid as a designer?
I don’t ever give my clothing a gender. It would be weird of me to give a fabric or colour a gender. The idea that blue is for boys and pink is for girls is very weird and it restricts you.
Should more South Africans embrace gender-fluid dressing?
I think it would allow the conservative South Africans and the younger generation to know that they are not alone. This is what we express and that there are more people like them.
Your designs are famed for being wearable art pieces. Do you have any plans for ready-to-wear options?
We are trying to make Siyababa Atelier more accessible to people so we are coming out with a ready-to-wear collection. Something more wearable because you can’t be coming out with a ball gown every day, so expect it in May. We are involving a lot of creatives from all over the world.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.