Ganu Designs invades Mzansi

Fashion designer and founder of Ganu Designs, Nkanyezi Malunga says she looks forward to expanding her brand and the cultural influence to global audiences.

FASHION designer and founder of Ganu Designs, Nkanyezi Malunga says she looks forward to expanding her brand and the cultural influence to global audiences.

Her sentiments came after her brand was featured in some South African productions which include The Estate, The River, and a reality TV show- The Real Housewives of Durban, to mention a few.

“We have primarily extended our cultural influence in the world of fashion, and our goal is to further extend our culture to other lines of creativity like luxury furniture,” she said.

“Our work was recently featured in some South African productions and the feeling is humbling and exciting. It’s been years of learning and effort which has led to these great rewards. Life is unpredictable and you will never know how it will turn out and I am glad I took a gamble on my talents and vision,”Malunga told Standard Style.

The designer went on to say that Ganu is a brand that is constantly evolving and what they have today are the results of the last 10 years.

“I am a student of culture. Culture to me is ever evolving, and so is Ganu. In five years' time, Ganu's identity will be cemented as one of the most sought-after fashion houses in the continent," she said.

“We also have been part of a sim trade fashion designers’ programme and have grasped quite a lot which we intend to put into use, to diversify and improve our market linkages, quality assurance and innovation.

“Currently, we are preparing for a fashion show, which will see local designers showcasing their work having gone through an intensive training on value addition and tapping into the export market.”

Quizzed if she might move to South Africa, the designer responded: “Contrary to what people may believe, in my line of work as a designer, there are so many opportunities in Zimbabwe," she said.

"There’s so much to explore as a creative person. I access my raw material locally, which is convenient,” Malunga said.

“However, as creatives, we need to collaboratively work on marketing and narrating Zimbabwean fashion in a manner that’s globally relevant and innovative.

"Talk of artificial intelligence in fashion and the preservation of culture. Now that’s exciting."

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