Unkle Swiss is his name and out-of-the-box fashion is his game
Shandukani Motsware, better known as Unkle Swiss is a 17-year-old with a passion for unconventional fashion who has now ventured into designing his own clothes.
POLOKWANE – According to Motsware, he has always been interested in fashion, but only treated it as a hobby.
“I’ve always liked clothes more than anything, even as a child, but it was in 2016 that I really got into designing my own clothes,” he explained.
As fashion is also viewed by many as a form of art, Motsware also explains that this is a way for him to express himself.
“I use magnificent colours, different structures and tailoring to articulate what I cannot put into words. I live for the fashion industry even though it’s tough. I keep on pushing myself to never give up. What I love most about designing is selecting the fabrics and texture,” he explained.
Although this is something he is passionate about, the stereotypes that exist surrounding men in the fashion industry, has not made it easy for him to pursue his passion.
“I have been given side eyes, even by friends for doing what I love and trying to build a career out of it. I have taken it upon myself to be my own cheerleader and not listen to the negativity that comes from people,” he shared.
He is currently planning his summer collection range for males and females, and shares that the range is inspired by nature’s colours as well as the work of his role model and inspiration, David Tlale.
As he now plans on studying fashion at the Cape Town College of Fashion Design, he also aims on being the most renowned fashion designer to have ever entered the fashion lane.
“I live by this quote, ‘fashion determines who I am,” he concluded.
