Simply the Exception to the Rule
R ich Mnisi is a South African fashion designer whose eponymous gender- fluid label has taken the fashion world by storm. Mnisi is a multi-talented artist who has made waves with his bold, gender-less designs and his dedication to representing the LGBTQ+ community in his work. He has also become known for his unique approach to fashion and furniture design, drawing inspiration from his upbringing and the spaces that have shaped him. Founded in 2015, the brand is committed to creating clothing that can be worn by people of all genders, reflecting Mnisi’s belief that fashion should be a space for self-expression and individuality. What differentiates him from others is his intricate patterns, bold and colorful designs with unexpected shapes and combinations of fabrics and textures. “I love telling stories from lived experiences”
Rich Mnisi
The aesthetic of his brand is rooted in his deep connection with the women in his family. Through his work, he narrates the story of his loved ones, stories of powerful women who have birthed the next generation of powerful women—a never- ending exchange of information and passing down of traditions. “I love telling stories from lived experiences—this rewards the viewer with a cultural exchange at its most authentic and presents them with the importance of community,” he shares. His commitment to his roots and community also emerges from the fact that he chooses to shoot his lookbooks and campaigns in the spaces where he grew up to showcase the beauty of his country. Apart from fashion design, Mnisi’s second biggest love is architecture. It’s rare for a designer to be equally talented with designing clothes and furniture, but Mnisi is simply the exception to the rule. Indeed, his furniture designs are bold and innovative, featuring unconventional forms and vibrant color palettes. “I create for the human body—beyond gender, race,
However, Mnisi is not only focused on creating exceptional clothing but also on supporting the LGBTQ+ community. As an openly gay designer, he has been vocal about the importance of visibility and representation for queer people in the fashion industry. “The desire to create a space that embodied an authentic expression of gender fluidity through an African lens and the complexities of identity inspired me to start the RICH MNISI brand. For me, fluidity represents inclusivity, a tenet I hold very close to my heart,” he explains. The designer goes beyond creating the garments to craft a storyline that aligns with individuals who share his background, physical appearance, and experiences. While growing up as a Black African child, Mnisi found familiarity with queer expressions within an environment that did not necessarily understand that world. “This inspired me to create a bank of visual cues that represent blackness and queerness as one— exhibiting an individual as a multifaceted celestial being who can’t be pinned down,” he shares.
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