Self-taught designer has eyes on the world
Zenzi "Zanox" Sibuyi has always had a passion for fashion. After finally taking the leap of faith in pursuing, he wants to go far with his edgy styles
MBOMBELA – Zenzi “Zanox” Sibuyi (29) from Clauclau in Ngodini taught himself to make clothes. No one in his family knits, sews or designs, and as a result he is proud to be the first to accomplish this in his family.
He explained that while marketing for his friend Freedom Ngomane, who is also a designer, he would wake up in the middle of the night, take pieces of material and try to make something.
His first attempt was a T-shirt, which gave him the confidence to go at it alone. With his new-found confidence, he founded Zanox Creations, and from there started the clothing brand, Press Button.
He creates edgy outfits that can be worn for any occasion, be it corporate or social.
“It’s all about how you wear it,” he said.
Sibuyi is the second of six children and has always had a love of fashion. “I always chose my clothes as a child,” he explained. “Even my mother knew, which would cause a lot of arguments between us.”
After matriculating from Orhovelani High School in Thulamahashe, he worked as a firefighter in Mbombela. After almost a year he resigned and moved to Johannesburg.
“I didn’t love the job. It just wasn’t for me,” he said. In Johannesburg he worked at a supermarket, where he also resigned after a year in 2010.
“I didn’t look for work after that.” He later returned to Mbombela where he started working for Ngomane in 2014. “I wanted to learn from him.”
Sibuyi has dressed DJ Carol Sanderson from Rise FM, DJ Madumane and the Prince from Ligwalagwala FM, as well as Mrs Mpumalanga’s second princess, Lucia Ochan. He is the proud father of four-year-old Zanokuhle.
He hopes to take his work, which will include future experimental designs, further than Mbombela.
Sibuyi will showcase his work in Emalahleni and at an upcoming model search to be hosted at the i’langa Mall, both in July.
