Daimler
Contemporary
Mercedes-
Benz Award
for South African Art and Culture 2009
Fashion Design
Mantsho
Maya Prass
David Tlale
Themba Mngomezulu for Darkie ClothingFounded in Cape Town in 2000 the Darkie label was truly launched in 2002 at Sanlam South African Fashion Week, by Themba Mngomezulu, a B-com drop-out student. Themba was first introduced to clothing by his mother who used to sell second-hand clothes to locals. He would recycle clothes for himself and friends, and his interest was caught up quickly, and in such a way that he started supplying the stores for which he was working on weekends. He worked out of a garage in Durban at the time.
In February 2006 he joined forces with Cape Town-based designer Azaad Carrim and the Darkie label took shape.
The streetwear brand, with the afro-comb signature, is inspired by the South African youth culture. This is a brand where one will find South African street lingo and style. The brand fuses tailoring and sport to create intriguing luxury streetwear.
"The brand is inspired by vintage and all surrounding old things such as furniture, cars, buildings, curtains, people on the street", says Themba who is also involved with projects like the design of the Nando's uniform, clothing lines for government, private and corporate design.
Mantsho
Maya Prass
David Tlale