A ‘Last Number’ clothing line
The road to success is a long and risky, and while Mr Phakathi has just begun his journey, it won’t be long before his brand is recognised nationally, and maybe someday internationally.
It is the general contention all artists are unique, special and have a lot to offer. Zipho Phakathi embodies this belief.
The 29-year-old Newcastillian is laid-back and unassuming and enjoys sewing and playing the drums.
He only has two distinguishing indulgences: his car, and the clothes on his back.
Mr Phakathi is a fashion designer under the fashion label he created, Last Number.
“The name came about when my friends first saw my car. It’s a pimped-out VW Beetle and everyone always used to say it was a last number car,” explains Mr Phakathi.
Playing on unique South African colloquialism and pop culture, he was able to create a name for his brand uniquely South African, but globally accepted, much like any other international brand.
The Last Number logo features a little ladybug, to remind Mr Phakathi how it all began.
His designs are loud and proud, mixing South African culture and heritage with a modern twist.
“I want to make clothes that people around the world acknowledge. They must want to wear it, because it is stylish globally, but at the same time it must have a unique South African blend. There is a misconception that South Africa is still stuck in the past. I want to show what I can offer the world as an artist and change this perception.”
Mr Phakathi recalled how he first treaded the waters of the design industry.
“I used to do Home Economics in Ferrum, and that was my first introduction to needlework. I was hooked. I was already trying to sew something or another. My family members used to often find the buttons from their clothes missing,” he laughed.
This friendly button-stealing young designer has come far since those days, although buttons still play a vital role in his trade today.
In 2010 he immersed himself in the fashion world. Before, he worked in the upholstery world, perfecting his stitches and learning about the world of fabrics. Mr Phakathi soon found he was empowered with the skills to make his designs a reality and in 2012 he started his label.
Stitching every item himself to ensure a quality product, he works from his garage, and has made waves with the youth of Newcastle, as they have found a designer who caters to their taste.
“I love working with the youth; they have many ideas and enjoy my sense of style. I want to give them clothes that they will not have to mix and match to suit their style, but rather the clothes are already in line with their style.”
The countless dresses and suits that have won the ‘best dressed’ title at matric farewells in town, stand as a testament to his understanding of his target market.
He continued: “Adults, or people larger than life, I’ll make sure they also have access to this unique style, be it formal suits and dresses, or lazy Sunday clothes to relax in on the beach. I’ll make sure that one day I cater for everyone’s needs.”
Mr Phakathi is confident about his designs. After all, he only wears Last Number designs himself.
Sitting down with him, he is dressed in a simple T-shirt featuring the names of cities around the world, and a camo-styled pair of shorts.
The road to success is a long and risky, and while Mr Phakathi has just begun his journey, it won’t be long before his brand is recognised nationally, and maybe someday internationally.
He is truly a Newcastillian to look out for.
