Rejection is often a breaking point for many artists who enter the fashion and art world, but not for creative artist and fashion designer, Mpilonhle Gumede who took these rejections and turned them into a budding fashion empire.
The twenty-eight year old from Musgrave describes himself as a young and ambitious success story, moving from dust to victory.
Emerging from a disadvantaged background in Mtunzini, on KZN’s northern coastline, Gumede said he is a self taught master that moves effortlessly between the world of arts and fashion.
“With so many rejections from the industry, the only thing I could do was to push through to make my mark in the world. My work doesn’t qualify to the ordinary world, I make art in everything I do. Whether its fashion or a creative art piece, mine has to stand out. I mostly make use of recycled materials to create impossible designs that are out of this world,” he said.
Gumede’s next project is an Arts and Fashion Exhibition which will take place at the Bean & Bistro Restaurant on 6 May 2023,. “History will be made here, especially since we hardly experience fashion exhibitions in Durban. This will be the second if not the first,” said Gumede.
He said he also looks forward to his Fashion Parade on 16 June at the Workshop Shopping Centre where he will parade with five designs, with five messages.
“Stop Homophobia, Albinophobia, Xenophobia, Gender Based Violence and Racism; all these expressions will be hand crafted and presented in the form of art. I look forward to unleashing my collection. Durban better watch the space. I have already have sold my artworks in different parts of the world such as Canada and Germany to name a few. My work is available in most art galleries and craft shops n Durban such as KZNSA Gallery, AfriCrafters at Ushaka Marine World, Station Collective at Point, Bean & Bistro Restaurant at Point and BAT Centre Craft Shop to name a few,” he said.
Gumede said he would like to see Durban as a hub for the arts and for the world to recognise their crafts because he believes that KZN has so much talent.
“My five year plan is to create the biggest exhibitions across Africa and to open a fashion museum. Basically have a world stage for the arts where the world would not miss us. I want to advise my fellow artists and the youth to never give up on their dreams. Opportunities don’t come to your door, you have to get up and create them,” he said.
