The Talent Pool: JEREMPAUL by Khulekani Msweli
Catch a Vibe is introducing The Talent Pool, which highlights emerging talent in London’s fashion industry who we think you should know. First up is Khulekani Msweli, 25, a womenswear designer who launched JEREMPAUL last year.
Khulekani Msweli, if you don’t know his name now you better have etched in your memory because this young (he’s not even 25 yet!) fashion designer from Swaziland was described in a Guardian as ‘an asset to Burberry, Westwood, Deacon or anyone who hires him’. Msweli has also won the FDC Avant-Garde Designer of the Year Award in 2007, a testament and acknowledgement of his quirky surrealist-inspired creations, this young talent is about to take the couture fashion world by storm.
CAV: Could you tell the CAV readers about your speciality and JEREMPAUL?
Khulekani Msweli: I’m currently specialising in womenswear design. JEREMPAULis the name of my label, it’s a fairly young label, as I officially launched it during this year’s February 2010 London Fashion Week,. The label focuses on creating luxury garments that can be demure yet sexy.
CAV: How would you describe your creations?
Khulekani Msweli: I would describe them as handcrafted pieces for the individual, with focus on cut and detail. I always try and create garments that, when you have the privilege to own, would be hard for you to ever part with but can only be passed on to loved ones.
CAV: What did you take from your internship at the studio of London designer Marios Schwab?
Khulekani Msweli: A lot really. Working at Marios Schwab was just one of the best things that happened to me. The way that Marios works is just amazing, he is an innovator and nothing is considered impossible to create in his studio. I gained a lot of design confidence and in depth knowledge of how to create a collection from concept to catwalk and the day-to-day running of a luxury fashion house.
CAV: How much of your ancestral background has inspired your work?
Khulekani Msweli: Subtle yet fundamental notions of it have inspired my work. I’m African, from Swaziland, and I have always been exposed to arts and crafts done by Swazi artisans. So I think the Swazi artisan’s handmade approach to making decorative native items has inspired me a lot because every item becomes more precious and personal than an item which has been mass produced by machines. Also being respectful to nature, as my culture is one that focuses on the use of natural products and being aware of how to sustain nature, therefore I try to ethically source my materials.
CAV: At the time when you entered your profession were there any people of colour, if not, how did you deal with that and what kept you going?
Khulekani Msweli: Firstly, I have to mention that fashion is an industry which is quite culturally diverse, as a whole, but when you start penetrating into the niche high fashion, then people of colour start to be few in numbers. So, to get back to the question, there weren’t many people of colour when I entered my profession. It did seem a bit odd but I believe that, with time, more and more people of colour will be involved within the art and design sectors, which will lead to a balanced environment. The one thing that kept me going is focus. Without focusing on your goals, you can be easily discouraged and demoralised by your surroundings, you have to go on no matter what.
CAV: How important is it to you that your work and creation contributes to Swaziland’s current and future prospect?
Khulekani Msweli: It’s very important because Swaziland is a developing country and the design sector is still fairly raw and requires direction and international exposure, in-order for it to compete in the global market. I always hope that my work continues to bring focus on Swaziland because Swaziland is awash with highly skilled artisans who are under exposed and not given the credit they deserve. The future can only be positive if we all support and uplift one another.
CAV: Your autumn/winter 2010 collection, which showed at the London
Fashion Week was inspired by one of my favourite artists, Frida Kahlo. Why her and what was it about her that inspired your collection, and looking into the future, what is the focus of the forthcoming collection?
Khulekani Msweli: I chose to base the collection on Frida Kahlo because of her slightly obscure femininity, her distinctive beauty, her courage and her pain. Her life painted a picture of love, beauty, emotions and dreams, which are some of the elements that I hope my designs evoke. I haven’t quite decided on the focus of the next collection but I’m sure it will be quite intriguing, yet still within the realm of craft led detailing.
CAV: It seems that the world of surrealist art is a notable influence on your work, what is it about this particular art movement that strongly appeals to you?
Khulekani Msweli:I think that surrealism offers escapism, a place where anything is possible and you can be whatever you want to be. So whenever I observe surrealist art, I’m always inspired to be creative without limits.
CAV: What lies ahead for you and JEREMPAUL?
Khulekani Msweli:I have a lot of ideas and visions for myself and Jerempaul, in the sense of continuing to create high quality work consistently which will be appreciated globally, but for now I can only hope for a continuous flow of creativity and God’s guidance.
Pics (c) Jason Harry
Hey
Check out http://www.akabi-fsi.blogspot.com and follow the development of a new made in africa label launching end of May.
One to watch!
J’Quita