Avant-garde fashion designer Siyababa believes that recreating the Boom Shaka look for Sowetan40 x Netflix may have come early in his career, but it is the perfect fit.
Born Siyabonga Mtshali, his label Siyababa Atelier that launched in 2019 is one of the most promising labels to watch in SA.
The 22-year-old is the go-to designer for style chameleons such as Rich Mnisi, Boity Thulo and Moonchild Sanelly.
So, when it came to recreating Lebo Mathosa and Thembi Seete’s provocative looks at the 1999 SA Music Awards (Samas), only one man could be trusted with the job.
“It’s a beautiful moment and it came early in my career. But it just made sense for me to recreate these two looks. The vibe of Boom Shaka resonates with me because my brand is very daring and out there,” Siyababa said.
“I had to re-watch their old performances, extract the vibe again and relive their moment to go and design. I watched them speak and their attitude.
“I wanted to embody who they are and modernise it. They were fashion icons then and I think they would be wearing these dresses now.”
For the updated looks modelled by rising stars Sthandile Nkosi and Khosi Ngema, the designer opted for an asymmetrical silhouette to give that modern spin – instead of doing a column shape.
“I grew up in a household full of women and I was jealous of them. They had the Boom Shaka hair and everything. I always wondered why I can’t do that,” Siyababa said.
“I have been influenced by women’s fashion for a long time. The first style that I was introduced to was from my sisters, aunts and mother. It’s the style that Boom Shaka had. I’m referring to the box braids, denim, sheer looks, big boots and oversized jackets.”
Born in the small Esikhawini township in Richards Bay, Siyababa knew when he was a 15-year-old Grade 9 pupil that he wanted to be a fashion designer. He formed part of the small town group, The Movement, that specialised in creative consultation, brand management, styling and photography. They did promotion for clubs and events around Richards Bay.
He then studied from 2017 at Johannesburg’s Lisof Fashion School – where Mnisi and Thebe Magugu also studied.
His graduate collection in 2019 launched Siyababa Atelier. He describes himself as a “daring, flamboyant and avant-garde conceptual designer”.
“My personality is what I drew from my father – very adventurous, flamboyant, open-minded and outgoing. He has been very supportive with my fashion career. He used to tell me that he worked hard enough so I can make the wrong decisions,” Siyababa said.
Part three of Sowetan40 x Netflix will debut exclusively in TimeOut on Friday and looks at the 2000s through the lens of Austin Malema, paired with writers Londiwe Dlomo and Karabo Ledwaba.
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