When it comes to choosing a name for your business, fashion boss Thando Ntuli had no problem with this task, nor did she find trouble finding inspiration for her designs. Named MUNKUS, a nickname the fashion designer’s family used to call her which holds a significant personal meaning to her, the brand launched in 2021, although, Thando made her first pieces under the MUNKUS name in November 2019. ‘I associate the name with a sense of warmth and familiarity, and it has always given me a feeling of being at home,’ explains Thando.
‘When I decided to launch my own fashion brand, I knew that I wanted to create something that reflected my personal values and beliefs.’ She continues, ‘I felt that the name MUNKUS perfectly embodied what I wanted my brand to represent: a sense of comfort, individuality, and a feeling of being at home.’
Hailing from Orlando East, a township located in Soweto, Thando is a young fashion designer who loves to tell stories through her creations. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Fashion Design from FEDISA and received her BA Honours in Sustainable Textile Design from the University of Johannesburg. ‘I am currently doing my MBA,’ she adds.
When asked what sparked her passion for fashion, Thando responded, ‘My passion started from my influence in art and animation but then centered around women in society as I grew older and became one.’ This comes as no surprise as Thando also mentions that she grew up with the influence of the wonderful women in her life: Her mother Sibongile, her grandmother Gogozi, and her great-grandmother Stwanza.
Thando further added that every collection is based on the ‘ME’ in every woman’s journey, saying, ‘My goal was to help women find themselves in the pieces I have made by giving them an extension of their personality or the persona they want to have for that day.’
What sets your designs apart from others in the fashion industry?
As a designer, storytelling is an integral part of my creative process. At MUNKUS, my biggest influences are the generations of women in my life who have worn many hats and paved the way for me to be where I am today. This legacy is reflected in my collections, which aim to empower women to express themselves and be their best selves as they journey through life. The concept of ‘home’ is at the heart of my brand, as it represents a place of comfort and confidence. I strive to incorporate this feeling into my designs to help women feel confident and at ease in their clothing. This year, my biggest focus is on collaboration, as I believe that working with others can bring about exciting new ideas and perspectives.
What are your thoughts on the future of fashion?
There are always going to be creatives making amazing things. I hope I add something valuable and ethical to that world so that young creatives can create something better! I think the only way forward is to be sustainable if we want a future to continue our generational lines. Having a brand built on my history and present day, sustainability comes naturally in my design process. I used recycled fabric that was turned into an interior fabric as well as bull denim. The pieces focus more on my structured heavy-weight fabric linking to creating timeless, durable bespoke pieces. We used digital printing which has less impact, and all prints are created by me so I can place them where needed on the fabric to save on waste.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I have several goals that I am looking forward to achieving this year. First, I am focused on expanding my reach and increasing the visibility of my brand. Second, I am excited about the possibility of creating my own manufacturing space to provide opportunities for young designers. And third, I am determined to push myself creatively and explore new avenues in my designs. I believe in the power of manifestation, and I am confident that these goals will come to fruition. Additionally, I am eager to meet and learn from great people in the fashion industry who can offer new insights and perspectives.
Thando concludes, ‘For me, fashion is not just about creating beautiful garments but also about telling a story and connecting with people on a deeper level. With the name MUNKUS, I hope to bring a sense of warmth and familiarity to my customers and create a brand that is truly special and unique.’
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