Yet he manages to narrate a unique, different story with his audience every season while keeping the conversation alive. “Our unique story paired with the ability to trigger new conversations with new pieces is what makes the brand stay current and innovative in the ever- evolving fashion and furniture design industries,” he discloses. His stunning campaigns are an invitation to explore his whimsical world, filled with signature gender-fluid designs, vibrant colors, and passion for South African culture. For those LGBTQ+ designers but also for any young and aspiring entrepreneur who wishes to make a positive impact in the fashion world, Mnisi suggests, “Acknowledging the times that we live in, with so much access to information and exploring the power of the internet is the key to survive.” In honor of Pride Month, the brand released its annual pride collection as part of the global Pride campaign, available on shop.richmnisi.com Among the collaborations of RICH MNISI with iconic brands, such as Adidas and Coca-Cola, is also this one with Smiley. The capsule merges RICH MNISI’s sustainable clothing with Smiley’s iconic logo and upbeat aesthetic, resulting in a collection that exudes an infectious sense of joy and optimism. “It serves as a reminder of how powerful a smile can be; a smile you can find within, a smile gifted by a stranger—an endless network of happiness, opportunity, and change,” he adds. In the last decade, there has been an emergence of fashion designers who aren’t just queer but have aligned their fashion vision with their identity, creating demystifying collections and radical concepts and ideologies to represent the inscape of non-conformity, fluidity, queerness, and androgyny—whilst maintaining a quick balance with their cultural roots. Mnisi’s work is a testament to the power of fashion to inspire and empower people and to the importance of creating a fashion industry that is inclusive, diverse, and sustainable. His dedication to the LGBTQ+ community, his commitment to shooting his lookbooks in the spaces where he grew up, and his unique approach to fashion and furniture design set him apart as a truly innovative and inspiring artist.
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