Tshwane fashion powerhouse couple goes international
Fashion designers and entrepreneurs Bongani Tambo and Esnarth Nkosi-Tambo exhibited their work in the US.
Fashion power couple Bongani Tambo and Esnarth Nkosi-Tambo showcased their Retro Vintage Kolektion fashion label recently at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington DC.
The Tambos are the force behind the successful Tshwane Fashion Week.
The power couple was invited to exhibit their African-meets-vintage inspired designs at the two week long event, which took place from 18 June to 2 July, by writer, artist and fashion event organiser Holly Bass.
“Our clothes were showcased and it made us very proud to fly South Africa and Africa’s flags high,” said Tambo.
Nkosi-Tambo said she and her husband were asked to display some South African garments that Americans regarded as true African prints.
Tambo said guests wanted more information about the history of their line and of South Africa.
“We told them the garments told a story of our apartheid struggle as black people in South Africa and Africa.”
Over 100 people attended the event, which also a included a question and answer session.
The couple was asked about their choice of fabric, the pattern and why preserving African fashion was important.
“People abroad are fascinated about African prints, about how we style our clothes and ourselves,” said Nkosi-Tambo.
Tambo said it was important to continue to preserve the African culture and heritage, of which their fashion prints were part.
“It is not the design but the love we put into what we do that the world appreciates. If we don’t love what we do as Africans, who will?” asked Tambo.
The pair said meeting world-renowned designer Leonard Logsdail was a dream come true.
“He inspires us and we would like to have the respect of the fashion industry he does,” said Nkosi-Tambo.
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