Name, Nthabiseng Legobye otherwise creatively known as ‘SPHANDIST’ is a multidisciplinary artist with an enthusiasm for fashion. Born and bred in the stomach of Soweto, Rockville. Owner of her own brand, called Ntswembu Concepts.
In a sit-down interview with Sphandist, she let us in to her small world and detailed everything you should know about her brand.
“I think in all existence there can only be one me, one Sphandist and that alone makes me standout,” said the fashion enthusiast.
Ntswembu Concepts
“Ntswembu/ Ntswe Mbu: Verb – refers to a person who takes things to the state of ART and owns them.”
The brand, Ntswembu Concepts as expressed by the designer is about unleashing your authentic self and embodying it.
Hailing from the dusty streets of the so-called, Rock Town. Nthabiseng says although that is where one can locate the brand geographically, “I think the the brand itself resides in me, maybe in you, or anywhere in the depth of authenticity.”
Speaking to the artist, we were interested in why she chose this career path, and she told Mgosi that she really can not answer that question. Because she did not choose fashion, fashion chose her. Classic right? Absolutely love that phrase.
“But I think when people had music and dance to save them, I had my clothes, paints and scissors as my place of solace,” the designer said.
The artist initiated the brand at a very tender age where she had to put on her “big girl shoes”.
Also, at that time, she had to always find something quick to sell or make.
“Fashion trends were at the peak at the time so I’d always “revamp” or retouch on some of my old clothes and sell so I can afford my daily living expenses.
Unaware that it was me unleashing & tapping into my creative ntswembu self,” she proclaimed.
HOPES AND DREAMS
With Ntswembu Concepts as a concept itself, the enthusiast is hoping to create timeless fashion pieces that one can feel confident and trust their level of imagination everytime they wear a NC piece.
“Basically, to make humans tap into their glory and own it.”
While Legobye continues to study visual arts and textile designing at the present moment. Her future plans for the brand include the infusion of both mediums and birthing Ntswembu fashion art garments. We cannot wait to see that come life! We will be watching…
During the interview we also asked the designer about the key elements one needs to know when it comes to brand making, and this is what she had to tell us.
“See I’m all about embodying, embody the message you’re trying to send through your brand. I usually say “If you wear Ntswembu, you feel Ntswembu and you do Ntswembu in all that you put your mind to,” she said. Sphandist is an epitome of hard work, and you can tell by the effort she puts into her craft. Woman you are talented!
Least favourite thing about being a designer: “With the current economical state in this country, I think the least favourite part about being a designer is that people can live and survive months without buying fashion, and that means I don’t get to eat until then.”
FUN FACTS:
- Sphandist does freelance modelling sometimes.
- She is 1.75m tall.
- The designer cannot dance or sing to save her life (lol).