THANDO NTULI
COLLECTION : IPHUPHU (A DREAM)
Growing up in Soweto, I was inspired by the 70s and 80s fashion from my mother and grandmother’s closets, which I used to secretly borrow from. This collection is a vibrant, nostalgic tribute to those memories. It captures the wonder of a child’s perspective, featuring a kaleidoscope of colours drawn from beloved buildings, flowers, and objects.
“Iphupho” celebrates the playful and whimsical essence of childhood, blending retro influences with the vivid imagination I had as a little girl in Soweto. As poet Qui Qarre beautifully states in the opening lines of her poem, “This poem is a mirror, one into which we look and see a familiar face.” This sentiment resonates deeply with “Iphupho,” as the collection mirrors the younger version of myself, challenging perspectives and societal barriers. In childhood, everything feels possible, and “Iphupho” encapsulates that boundless sense of potential and creativity.
GIVE HER A CROWN STATEMENT
I think for me, it’s one of those opportunities that kind of hit you in the face, but it’s really kind of exciting. And the best part of it is I feel so aligned to it. My life story has always been about the women around me and how they’ve influenced me and given me the space to be who I am today, to guide me.
