Fashion designer Hangwani Nengovhela’s collection is inspired by the ancient Kingdom of Mapungubwe Kingdom

By CityLife Arts Writer

When it comes to all aspects of creativity South African continue to shine, and one area where they spectacularly shine is in fashion with new names emerging every year to showcase their designs to the appreciation of those who follow fashion trends around the world.
For example, the recently ended SA Fashion Week this year saw talented designers showcase their creativity and innovation when it comes to fashion.
One of those that caught the eye of visitors and fashion lovers is Hangwani Nengovhela with her eye catching designs.
With her brand called Rubicon Collection, this year’s collection is inspired by ‘Medley of Nature’ based on the great historical Mapungubwe Kingdom in Limpopo. The design aesthetic is derived from the kingdom’s social structure, the influence of trade with the far east and the area’s ecosystem.

With little research available on the exact fashion trends that were popular in 1200 AD, the head designer and founder, Hangwani Nengovhela allowed herself to dream and re-imagine fashion history.
“We know that this was a bustling kingdom in which the people lived in abundance. To show their strength and power, Mapungubwe’s ruler moved the upper classes to the top of a hill while the working classes remained on level ground. We’ve included that concept – showing the various levels of authority in where they lived through layering fabrics and constructing our garments from materials that depict movement.

With over 22 years on the global fashion scene, Rubicon has come to be known for one major thing – they pay fine attention to detail. This is what separates the average garment from its exquisite counterpart,” the fashion house states.

CITYLIFEARTS spoke to the designer this week.

CITYLIFE/ARTS: How did you become a fashion designer?

Hangwani Nengovhela: Apart from my mom’s education profession, she has always been designing clothes for her clients and this was passed on to me by my upbringing. The desire of creating garments was embedded in me from an early age. It was part of my early child development process.

CITYLIFE/ARTS: Is it what you’ve always wanted to do?

Hangwani Nengovhela: I have a passion for gaining knowledge and an openness to learning. I love designing and it comes naturally. I do however have interest in serving and using my gift to change lives.

CITYLIFE/ARTS: How do you find the industry is it easy or difficult to get in and why?

Hangwani Nengovhela: The industry requires a lot of capital. For instance Rubicon requires highly skilled machinist as some of the fabric is quite delicate and difficult to work with. The other thing is that the field of fashion designing is quite saturated with equally talented and gifted individuals. You have to work very hard and smart to access the market. It is not all glitz and glam.

CITYLIFE/ARTS: What inspired your range?

Hangwani Nengovhela: Over the years I have designed based on my family heritage and this time around, I brought in Rubicon nostalgia and safari landscape.

CITYLIFE/ARTS: Do you design your own fabric or do you have a supplier?

Hangwani Nengovhela: I design my own prints, which helps in creating one’s true signature. The south African textile industry is still not readily available for designers to weave their own fabrics post the democratic period?

CITYLIFE/ARTS: Who are your clients?

Hangwani Nengovhela: I’ve had the chance to collaborate with a diverse range of people in several industries. My main priorities are always figuring out how to best serve their particular demands and fulfill their objectives through good design.

CITYLIFE/ARTS: How do you market yourself?
Hangwani Nengovhela: I market myself through various channels of mediums, however I have come to know that word of mouth is more effective and giving your customers a great experience.

CITYLIFE/ARTS: How does fashion week SA help you grow?

Hangwani Nengovhela: SA fashion week helps in giving you an international marketing platform and helping designers to access markets.

CITYLIFE/ARTS: What other events do you use to showcase your fashion?

Hangwani Nengovhela: I have a niche market and occasionally having small gatherings to view and shop the collection creates solid relationships.

CITYLIFE/ARTS: Where are you based?

Hangwani Nengovhela: We are based in Bryanston, Johannesburg

CITYLIFE/ARTS: What do you wish to see happen career wise?

Hangwani Nengovhela: To continually evolve with market trends as in offering a unique but commercially viable product.

CITYLIFE/ARTS: Who would you like to dress?

Hangwani Nengovhela: I would like to dress women who desire to be true to who they are and exudes confidence, grace and elegance.

CITYLIFE/ARTS: Anything you would like to add?

Hangwani Nengovhela: My objective is to use design in ways that have the power to transform lives and slightly improve the planet. It’s really fulfilling work, and I’m driven to keep developing in that field.