Over the years I have become a huge fan of the clothing line Darkie. Back when I started writing for YEAHBO.DOT.NET, the label head designer and creater Themba Mngomezulu was one of the first people I interviewed (check the interview HERE). This was way back when he was still based in Durban. The clothing label has gradually grown from strength to strength, rejuvenating itself with fresh and original ideas.
Fast forwarding to 2008. Earlier this year when I was in Cape Town for the annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival I got to hang out with one of my friends TK (see first picture with guy in brown pants above), who works very closely with Themba, at a Darkie shop on Long Street (read about the the encounter HERE). The shop has since moved to Kloof Street in a form of a new refurbished Darkie Concept shop. Whilst launching this shop, Themba reached out to me to help with his plans in branching out to Jozi as well. Being a great fan of his work, as well as a friend I took to the challenge which has seen an opening of a new Darkie shop this past Friday. The Jozi shop is located on 7th Street in Mellville. The opening of the shop last Friday was really dope. Of course I was there with a few other people that came through to celebrate one of Themba's milestones.
On our way from the airport last Friday, Themba told me that there are plans for Durban to get their own exclusive Darkie shop as well. So Durbanites, your own shop will be opening soon. Check out www.darkieclothing.co.za for details on that front. In the meantime, Jozi and Cape Town are basking in the enjoyment of shopping for exclusive pieces of clothing from the Darkie summer collections. You'll be bowled over by the quality of design and craftmanship that goes into each and every item.
Please also note that Themba is bringing back the Darkie Recycled clothing (example on the first photo) that made him popular when he began working on his passion for fashion design. Watch the space for this development and more details.
No comments:
Post a Comment