Four designers from Soweto have emerged for one mission: Lethabo Tsatsinyane, Kepi Mngomezulu, Sibo Sithole and Floyd Malotwane have stepped it up from many designer wanna-be’s and initiated a clothing label known as Smart-Eez. These rising stars are regarded by many as stylish and ahead of their time for their apparel style.
These four founding members of Smart-Eez believe that their sense of dress code has influenced many in the world of fashion. According to Kepi “People today wear what we used to wear in the past six years”. Moreover, Smart Eez has influenced some chain stores subconsciously to follow into their trend. He elaborated, “Chain store stylists have done their research and saw to it that the Smart-Eez were the hip and happening thing in and around the streets of Jozi".
Smart-Eez got the big break when they collaborated with Loxion Kulca in 2009 at the South African Fashion Week (SAFW). Kepi mentions, “Loxion Kulca was actually celebrating its 10th year in the industry and invited us to be part take in the show with them because at that stage we were one of the most talked about designers in the street hence they wanted to revive itself and featured us as a result”. The idea was to find a cross-road that could re-elevate their brand in terms of design, style and reputation.
The Smart Eez will be showcasing at the upcoming SAFW (Summer Collection) taking place at The Shine Studios. Kepi enthused, “People must expect a Hard-Core, Funky and unisex summery collection. The collection is basically for individuals who are conscious and for whoever feels confident enough to pull it off”.
The Quadro will be showcasing on the 10th of April in Braamfontein.
By Kekeletso Kubequ
