SANDILE MNGADI

LABEL: DUKE DOME

It is true that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree... Mxolisi Magwaza, who inherited his remarkable fashion design skills from his mother, is far from being a mama’s boy, as he proves with his designs.

Instead of following exactly in his mother’s footsteps, Mxolisi opted to design clothes that best described him and his youthful personality. Mxolisi sought the help of his friend and mentor Ayanda Maphumulo when he started. “I liked his designs so much that I asked him to teach me how to design garments, and he agreed. That is how I was able to start pursuing my dream career in fashion.”

Getting started wasn’t easy though, but with the encouragement and support from his family and friends, he was able to launch his own clothing label. “Initially, I did not know what to call my label. Then I thought back to my school days and remembered a name we had given to one of my school mates - Fatboy.”

When one hears the name of the label, one cannot help but think it has something to do with the designer’s weight or the kind of people he designs for! But that is no so. Fatboy Clothing was launched in 2000 and by that time, Mxolisi had a clear vision of the direction he wanted his label to take. “I wanted to design streetwise clothes - not over-sophisticated clothes that one only ever wears to some fancy function.” To get Fatboy Clothing off the ground, Mxolisi first designed basic t-shirts with the Fatboy logo so people could recognize it. When word spread about his new label, he decided to design shirts and pants as well. “Today I design all types of clothes, and I have even addes a ladies range to my label as well.”

While Mxolisi hasn’t been given the opportunity to participate in big fashion shows, he explains that he understands that everything happens in its own time. “Fatboy has been worn by some of Durban’s hottest DJs such as DJ Bongs and others. This shows that this label is going far.”

Five years from now Mxolisi would like to have opened at least two shops in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. “I want my clothing range to be accessible to everyone in this Province.” A new, exciting demand that is steadily growing year on year is for matric dance garments. “I get a lot of young ladies wanting me to design their matric dance dresses which range in price from R500 upwards, with five-piece suits for guys ranging from R500 to R1500.”

Fortunately Mxolisi has two pairs of extra hands that assist him, making sure that Fatboy Clothing remains on top of its game. “There is no way I could finish all the orders I get without the assistance of Lethu Magwaza and Innocent Mementro.” Coming up with good, exclusive designs that people will like is not easy, which is why Mxolisi salutes South African fashion designers. “I have a lot of respect for fashion designers because they create something out of nothing.

“I also have a certain level that I want to reach in my business. Once I am there, I will know I have made it…”

Next - DJ Tira & Mother (the interview)