The
Best Thing To Have Happened To Swazi Fashion
Astounding, artistic, diverse, non-conformist and extremely fashionable are some of the words one can use to depict the extremely talented Khulekani Msweli. He is the man, brains and work behind the full-of-inherent potential fashion brand called Jerem Paul.
In a
studio nestled deep within the heart of Ezulwini in Mantenga, at the Yebo! Art
Gallery is where all the magic happens. As
you walk into the art, design and fashion studio, you cannot help but marvel at
the artistic flamboyance of the entire Jerem Paul boutique.
As a
person who has been attending South African Fashion Weeks for the past four
years and I am constantly covering fashion events via my fashion blog; I must
say, I was pleasantly surprised to have found a gemstone like Khulekani in our
own tiny Kingdom. Not only is he a fashion designer, he is also an interior
design consultant for home, corporate and events decor as well as an all round
artist. When I
met him, a friend and I had visited his studio to source some items for a
fashion show we were working on. After I told him about my undying love for
fashion, Khulekani was excited to show me his winter vision board. His
enthusiasm when describing his work is truly inspirational as it displays the
passion he puts behind every piece of art he does. "I would rather not work on a show if I do not have the creative rights
to be free as a designer and I cannot just allow my apparel to be used
willy-nilly, I take pride in my work" Khulekani explained.
When I asked him what the inspiration was
behind Jerem Paul brand, especially the studio, he said "Every boutique in Swaziland sort of looks
like the next one, I wanted my studio to be an extension of my designs, it is
not just clothing shop, I am a designer and my surroundings have to say that
without me having to utter a word." As soon as he said that, I was
immediately reminded of the American Show "The Next Great Artist"
which was aired on Vuzu some time back. Basically it is a television show where
highly talented up-and-coming artists compete for a solo exhibition at a Museum and a cash prize of $100,000.00 . I
thought to myself, Khulekani could have easily won that competition, he is a
rare calibre of what a fashionable artist should be.
Such passion and willingness to work hard
enough to want to only associate your brand with quality is not only
commendable but also highly appreciated as it may just be what we need to
establish a thriving Swazi Fashion Industry.
Jerem Paul gives on hope for the fashion
industry in our country. I believe the likes of Khulekani have more than the required
capability to not only deliver an entire fashion line for a Swaziland Fashion
Week but to go even beyond our borders and represent us in a Proudly Swazi way.
If you are interested in all the amazing work
Khulekani does, you can contact him via email on: jerempaul@gmail.com
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Written By: Koko Shabangu
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