Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe Winner 7.30 Interview
Who is the founder of 7:30
Tanaka Leroy Samukange
What is 7:30 and how did the name come about?
7:30 is a an urban expression for indifferent, any artist will tell you that they have been called crazy not more than once before, I kind of embraced it , yes that’s where I got the name from
What is the inspiration behind the your collection for Fashion weekend Zimbabwe?
My collection for Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe 2014 was inspired by the 1980’s fashion and today’s pop culture.The theme for this year’s Fashion weekend Zimbabwe was Be yourself proudly made The theme be yourself proudly made are two phrases joined together, for me to understand the theme I had to break and separate the two phrases apart. “Be yourself,” Be yourself is such a vague adage to me its finding yourself and defining yourself by your own terms. When I designed this collection I looked myself guts to the skin and listed down all the things I like and things that inspire me that was my thought process when designing. “Proudly made,” The phrase proudly made means having pride in making something, my collection has an eye popping palette of earth tones and strong influence of the capital city of Zimbabwe, Harare. I showed this by using grays which resemble building found in the Harare CBD.
What was your greatest challenge during the Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe DDP?
My greatest challenge was making the outfits, translating my illustrations to actual clothes!
How does it feel to know your work is being recognized by the locals?
It feels great, its what helps me keep going.
When did you start designing?
I started designing at a very young age, I was always into art then one day I discovered that art fashion work together, so I just said to myself design your own clothes and I was tired walking shop in shop out without finding something that I liked.
Explain the concept of your designs? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My aesthetic is urban/streetwear I draw my inspiration from the hip-hop culture and everyday experiences.
What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever done to you or for you?
Ask for permission to plagiarize my brand name
What should we look forward to the most on your upcoming collection?
Influences from my home city, Harare.the collection is going to be called Harare’s Own
Where do you see 7:30 in 5 years’ time?
I see 7:30 as the leading street wear brand in Zimbabwe.
How can your fans reach you?
www.seventhirtyapparel.com @TanakaSamukange @seventhirtygear
What advice would you give to other people who are still working towards starting up a similar brand to yours?
Follow your dreams.
