Now we first spotted this brand at the “streets live hiphop festival” which was held at alliance in Harare, however due to the hussle and bustle that was taking place we did not manage to get the indepth information we wanted about the brand. We were fortunate enough to catch up with one of the founding members of the brand namely NABOTH RIZLA for this exclusive and this is what he had to say...
1) When did you start the brand?
Grapevine Clothing was started in 2005. The co-founders are Mbako Mbulayi from Botswana and Naboth Rimayi aka Rizla (me). Mbako is now based in Malaysia so I now run it with a close friend of mine based in Australia called Da Kompozitioner aka Lwazi Mpoko.
2)Who does the Grapvine team comprise of?
Basically we shop for material/fabric then I go to my talented team of printers, designers and tailors to put in their expertise. So if you got talent hola at your boy but make sure you on point with skills and are very conscience of time coz I calculate my day to the last second so better have your “A” game when you hola.
3) What inspired you to start the brand?
I noticed there was no local hip hop brand for clothing. So I got together with a couple of guys who are in the fashion business and before you know it we had done lots of ladies golf tees plus lots of custom designs. Yeah, ladies stuff moves! Shout out to the support from the guys too… so as they say the rest is the present!
4) What kind of statement do you hope to make with your brand in the fashion industry?
We want people in Grapevine Clothing to Walk Dat Sreet Talk! We want them to be the centre of all conversations in the streets (in a good way obviously). People should be like, “did you see that tee”? Every time you walk past. People should wear something that reflects their character and feel good about it. Hip Hop is deep like that. Most of my clients don’t even know anything about the Hip Hop culture but still they looking fresh. That’s the biggest statement we are going to make. Read this interview 5 years from now and it will all make sense.
5) How would you describe the relationship between your brand and hip hop?
Hip Hop is a culture and in any culture you have a particular type of dressing that people conform to. But since hip hop is all about your expression our relationship is therefore on the fact that we want our clothing to be able to help people express themselves. The word Grapevine to us means the latest news or story you’ve just got to share. Now, our twist on that word interprets to an individual setting a trend by the way they express themselves by making the streets talk when they are wearing our creations.
6) Who are some of the people you have had a chance to work with through your brand?
Right now there’s a lot of paperwork flying around for individuals who can represent the brand. All I can say is we are officially launching soon and all will be revealed then. Otherwise check out www.da-grape-vine.com for the latest updates on how we will be Walking Dat Street Talk!
7) Where do you see your brand 10 years from now?
It will be a global brand contributing positively to Hip Hop growth in Zimbabwe.
8) Despite the challenges in the fashion industry what has been your motivation?
The love and passion for the Hip Hop culture and most importantly looking good. People judge you by your looks so you better make sure when you dress you sending the right message to the world. Challenges will always be there but passion and love for what you do will keep you going even when the returns are nothing to talk about. It’s an amazing feeling to see your sketch being worn by a confident person in the streets and looking good. I wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything…
Finally you can get your Grapevine Clothing exclusive in Bulawayo at Crazy Look store on Ground Floor Mimosa Building opposite the Bulawayo Centre on 9th Avenue. Otherwise email us at info@da-grape-vine.com and we’ll be sure to hit you back. Shout Out to The Juice the official latest news you got to be sipping for this interview. Walk Dat Street Talk, everyday!
31/8/11
It wasnt just all music at the fest , i literally welled up with excitement the minute i saw hip hop inspired brands such as, tateguru, grapevine, maurice gracial and magamba apparel. These four brands blew my mind as they were plagued with originality and style i couldnt help but try some on, these brands are definitely forces to be reckoned with!!!!
