South African designer revives family history in new collection

Posted Africanews360 October 25, 2022 2 Min Read

Updated 2022/10/25 at 5:29 PM

Thando Ntuli, winner of the SAFW 2022 Young Talent award and owner of MUNKUS, a womenswear label, acknowldges guests after models presented her creations during the second day of the South African Fashion Week (SAFW), at the Mall of Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, October 21, 2022. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

Thando Ntuli, a young designer who just unveiled her new collection at South African Fashion Week, hopes her clothes will convey a sense of home.

The 25-year-old, who grew up in the township of Soweto, took inspiration from the dresses and skirts she used to borrow from her mother and grandmother in the 1980s and 1990s.

Models presenting creations by MUNKUS wait in the backstage during the second day of the South African Fashion Week (SAFW), at the Mall of Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, October 21, 2022. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

“I just want this sense of home to be given, or transferred to the people wearing the brand,” said Ntuli, whose brand is called “Munkus” after a term of endearment that her family uses for her.

Models present creations by MUNKUS during the second day of the South African Fashion Week (SAFW), at the Mall of Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, October 21, 2022. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

The designer dedicated her Autumn/Winter 2023 collection to her mother and explored different roles women play in society.

“I looked into the five personas that my mum represents: she’s basically a giver, a nurturer, a lover, a fighter, and a leader,” Ntuli told Reuters.

Thando Ntuli, winner of the SAFW 2022 Young Talent award and owner of MUNKUS, a womenswear label, reacts as models try-on her creations during rehearsals ahead of the South African Fashion Week (SAFW), in Rosebank, South Africa, October 13, 2022. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

This multitude of roles is reflected in different silhouettes and colours the designer used in her collection, which includes a dress with an image of Ntuli’s mother printed on the front.