Skhumbuzo’s unique denim designs take centre stage in eMalahleni
The designer dreams of seeing at least one of his designs on billboards in Tokyo and owning a factory in South Africa.
Skhumbuzo Matlala, famously known as “Manzo La Troy,” has been making waves in the fashion industry with his unique and innovative denim designs.
With a passion for fashion that knows no bounds, the 26-year-old fashion designer from Klarinet Extension 3 in eMalahleni says he has been fascinated by fashion from a very young age.
What really initiated him into the fashion industry business was hanging around friends who were also in the same industry. Skhumbuzo said he used to admire their work, and with their guidance, he managed to learn the basics of using a sewing machine.
After his friends had relocated, he said that was when he decided to strike out on his own and started his own business in 2018.
Without any formal training in fashion, he said his success can be attributed to his raw talent and dedication.
“I’m just a simple guy, there’s nothing fascinating about me, except the art that I carry within me,” he humbly said.
Skhumbuzo said his designs are strictly denim-based, and he takes pride in creating unique outfits.
As in all businesses, the determined designer said he constantly faces challenges wherein people he labelled as ‘copycats’ replicate his work shortly after its release, regardless of the amount of time and effort he puts into his work.
However, to prevent this, Skhumbuzo said he adds extra detail to his designs, ensuring that even if they are copied, it may not necessarily be the same.
Recently, he attended a fashion show at a local restaurant, where he had been invited to participate. Despite it being his first time attending such an event, he managed to make it to the top 5 and will be competing again.
Skhumbuzo said his top goal for his business is to see it flourish beyond the local level. He said he dreams of seeing at least one of his designs on billboards in Tokyo and owning a factory in South Africa.
“I thank everyone who contributed to shaping the person that I am today,” he said, adding that he will keep practicing and putting more effort into his designs.
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