Thursday 12 September 2013

STYLE BIO. ZBU MASOMBUKA





" Sibusiso Masombuka, Zbu, as most people would call me, is a boy from Benoni. I moved to JHB in 2011 to further my studies in BA Psychology and Anthropology at the University of Johannesburg, now doing my final year. I just turned 21 so I am yet to learn more about myself and hopefully turn some interests into serious professions. 
When I started off with my psychology degree i had no idea what i was getting myself into. However, i was certainly channeled into a field that I've gradually fallen in love with. I'm planning on studying further and hopefully obtain my doctorate in Educational Psychology. The idea of helping people out has been a primary instinct considering the manner in which i was socialized in.
My interest in fashion started at a very juvenile age, but at that time i couldn't get myself to put clothes together and actually being "stylish". But i guess years of practice allowed me grow progressively. Having to look at my older  brother dress up and get all the attention, put so much pressure on me to actually step up considering that i wasn't as popular.




   


                                                                                           


In my 1st year i was privileged enough to work for quite a big international brand when it first launched in SA, called Superdry. I had no retail experience, but i generally think i got the job  because i was spoke and obviously dressed well (lol) (the trick to getting most things in your life).
I then moved on to to Religion Clothing South Africa, where i recently got the promotion to become the store manager. Quite a big step, and yet i feel like i was  thrown right in the deep end, however  i am learning quite a lot about retail and myself ultimately. So in considering the brands I've worked with, i am more into the European fashion, without letting that box me.

                                                                





                                                               


 In the years that I've been in Jo'burg, my fashion interests excellerated mainly because i saw how people expressed themselves through threads and i think that's when i personified fashion. Fashion became therapeutic for me more than anything else, my friends will tell you that i dress up for tests/exams and more,  just to psyche myself up and curb the nerves. Style is an art,( just with a bit more edge) and every artist expresses themselves differently and thus i acknowledge other people's fashion sense.  With studying psychology and being into fashion so much, I have learned that most people express their emotions or try to build up to a certain emotion.
 The more "controversial" you are with what you wear the more intriguing and unforgettable you are. So gain that confidence and own you look, it worked for me.
"

                                                                

I remember the first time I met Zbu. That moment when u take a second look @ the way you're dressed and are immediately convinced that you could have done better.  That's the precise feeling I got upon our first meeting. Zbu was a "friend" of a friend.
His was a style that was almost so technical. It was the perfect balance of contours and different aesthetics that looked both cheeky and admirable.

One night he steps into a club in a hiding hat, cropped skinny jeans, a dress-like looking t-shirt, Chuck Tailors & and leather & the other, he's in a tailored blazer & fitted slacks. I have come to realize that in a world that is so based on current trends and magazine-fueled influence, he's is one of those rare people who truly harness and exhibit their own style. True to their own mood & silhouettes.






                                                      
                                                               Zbu in State Of Guru
                                                            (shirt available @ R350.00)

 For me, fashion is not what's given or predicted. It's an individual creation. Finding a piece that works for you even when the Jackie Burgers and Dion Changs disagree. It is a current interpretation of self. Influenced by past, present and future experiences and moods. I've always admired the one who wore a dashiki in typical Marc Jacobs surroundings. Fashion for me is a personal rebellion. It's a constant need to break the rules and voice your own ideals and convictions. A medium of self expression and refusal to blend in.

For me, Zbu has done and been precisely that. He, along with the likes of Teddy Nkonde, Linda Mthembu & Khotso Thanjekwayo are [allow me to be carried away here for lack of better expressions] like the unspoken soldiers of modern time South African street fashion.

Follow @Zbu_M on Twitter.



#Love&Respect!