INLSA
THE young tailor Picture; DOCTOR NGCOBO
He may be a young designer, but Siyethemba Ngwenya has the disposition of a mature businessman.
He speaks in a low, considered tone and if he isn’t wearing a suit, he is sure to have a blazer on hand to wear over his denims for meetings.
He doesn’t just look the part, though. For almost a decade he has been quietly going about his business, making clothing for private clients.
Ngwenya, 26, who was born in Hammarsdale and now lives in Morningside, opened his studio in Durban’s CBD in 2006, catering to an upwardly mobile black economic empowerment clientele.
Like many designers he has also made many a matric and wedding dress in his time.
Last year he established a school, Ceeye’s Institute of Fashion, to groom young entrepreneurs.
This month Ngwenya will cross the divide from businessman to fashionista (which often happens the other way around) when his garments are showcased at Joburg Fashion Week.
He’s enthusiastic about presenting himself on the national platform.
“My collection will have three distinct looks: sleek, think JZ in a suit; Club, comprising cropped jackets and denims; as well as Street, hard-core, wash denims with prints.”
Colours range from greys and blues to whites and blacks.
He shows off a jacket in black velvet, revealing a collection that is mostly matt.
He creates interest by contrasting panels.
The range may be created for the ramp, but it is also wearable, practical and classy, which emphasises his level-headed approach to fashion.
Ngwenya says experience with clients has taught him that clothes at their core need to reflect the personality of the wearer.
“From a young age I was fascinated with the way in which people invented themselves through clothes. When I design it is for the individual – I want to find out who you are, and take it up a notch.”
This is perhaps his secret of success; after all, many designers who do fabulously at university and win competitions battle to set up viable businesses and make a living doing what they love.
Ngwenya has achieved this by tapping into who his clients are and giving them what they want – a better version of themselves.
The designer, who says he is happy to be at the sewing machine himself, employs five seamstresses. He says he is happy with business, but hopes the shows will open up retail opportunities.
His greatest pleasure, however, is his school. “I enjoy working with talented kids from disadvantage backgrounds. I love being able to help them set up themselves in this industry. I enjoy talking ideas and consulting.”
One gets the impression that Ngwenya doesn’t just want to be seen as a fashion designer. His status as a role model to the young people he teaches is a driving force behind this quiet entrepreneur.
