IMPAHLA YANGEMPELA APPAREL (REAL CLOTHING CLUB)
Full names, Musawenkosi Gift Bodibe, is a fashion designer who goes by the name Drastic Measures Mhlabawonke. Born and raised in Soweto, from a family of 5.
The 23-year-old is currently a film and television student. Impahla Yangempela Apparel (Real Clothing Club) is the designer’s brand, created to inspire and tell a story through clothing.
What further inspired the designer to start the brand was the aim to speak out on issues we (people) are afraid to speak about. “Promote self love, be a voice to the voiceless through clothing.”
According to Drastic Measures Mhlabawonke, his brand reiterates that “the world doesn’t need another brand,” when you have Impahla Yangempela Apparel.
This brand is on another level if you ask us, and we love to see it. What is even more interesting about this brand is how it came about.
The designer told Mgosi is that “the brand actually came from idlozi lami. I dreamt I was wearing a black and white t-shirt with the name ‘Impahla Yangempela’…” he said.
He continued to say that he then wrote it down that very same night and that is how his brand came to life. The underground gang works overtime!
HOPES AND DREAMS
“What am hoping to achieve with the brand is it should be more than a clothing brand. A movement which will inspire the next black generation through clothing, art, photography. Sparking the flame of creativity, ” he told Mgosi.
Future plans for both the designer and the brand right now is collaborating with other brands from other countries. As he says, “Ngiyengane yedlozi,
I am a child of my ancestors, they are alive through me.”
Musa says fashion has the power to bring people together across the world, and he is not competing with anyone. Instead, he is doing it because he has the passion for it and “there is nothing else I will be doing on this earth besides this.”
Least favourite thing about being a designer: “Giving people free stuff’.”
FUN FACTS:
- Drastic Measures Mhlabawonke has an ancestral calling
- He is also a photographer and videographer. He is currently shooting a prank show on Basehop TV.
- The designer is an event coordinator and a founder of the University of Kasi. A creative movement hub.