PRINCE THABISO MKHIZE AS THE PRIDE OF KWAMASHU
From KwaMashu to the Durban CBD, Prince Thabiso Mkize is making his mark as a bespoke fashion designer to inspire and uplift people in his community.
For jazz saxophone player and singer turned respected fashion designer, creativity was always in Prince’s blood, something he attributes to the community that raised his – KwaMashu.
“Growing up in [KwaMashu] taught me a lot about compassion, it has also brought a lot of constructivity in my thinking, in my implementation and execution of things,” he explains. In his community, Mkhize gained the reputation of the ‘it’ boy.
“I was always the best dressed and I think that I take that from my mom and dad,” he laughs, “they are very much fashionable people.” Since he was a child, Prince dreamed of having his own fashion line. After his mother’s passing, Mkhize was more determined than ever to pursue fashion.
“My heart and vision of Prince Bespoke is to bring back the lost art of bespoke tailoring to South Africa,” he says. With his atelier situated in the heart of the Durban CBD, Prince makes a point to design pieces and choose fabric to bring out South African pride in his clothing.
Being surrounded by buildings that hold top lawyers and executives, Prince designs bespoke clothing designed to be classic and have a sense of etiquette. Currently, he is working on an upcoming shoe collection and has a spring in his step.
“We feel that it is about time as Africans to re-own our narrative and tell it…because we know our stories best and we can tell them best.”
From KwaMashu to the world, it’s a masterclass how this determined and inspired African creative goes about his business.
