By Mariam Mahomed.
2014 AFI Fastrack winner, Rich Mnisi took the fashion world by storm with his S/S 14 collection, KOOL –AID. Magazine features, editorials and interviews sang praise to Rich’s work making him fashion’s rising star and an inspiration for young hopefuls. Now, months after his great win, Rich continues to spread the inspiration and blow minds with his label OATH. Represent caught up with Rich to find out more about OATH and his life as a fashion industry newbie.
Where does the inspiration behind OATH come from?
OATH is generally inspired by pop-culture, music being the main source.
You’ve been out of college for less than a year but you have managed to successfully start a brand. Tell us more about that journey?
OATH was more of a long-term goal but I was encouraged to nurture and develop this idea and fortunately, it was received well.
What are some of the challenges that you have faced in terms of establishing your brand and how did you rise above it?
I was slightly worried about the public reception of my aesthetic beyond my AFI Fastrack S/S 14 collection because this would ultimately reflect on the success of the brand. I ended up making crucial decisions to maintain aesthetic and explore its facets to strengthen the brand image despite everyone else’s expectations.
If there is one lesson that you have learnt from this journey, what would it be?
Being decisive in an industry that is so saturated with information.
What are the opportunities and challenges facing a new comer in the South African fashion industry?
People speak of loving and wanting ‘fresh’, ‘different’ and ‘high fashion’ but once they get it they find it hard to digest. It’s tough to find a room full of people nodding at your work but the greatest opportunity for anyone comes from within. If you take your craft seriously and present it authentically then people will respect it and will help take your product to the right market that will love it and would kill to own it.
What advice would you give to fashion-design hopefuls?
I’d like to think that I’m still one…. and advice I’d give to myself… Don’t Stop.
What does a day in the life of Rich Mnisi entail
I’m still doing my internship for AFI Fastrack at Egality so it’s that most of the time. But when I turn into a werewolf in the middle of the night I sketch, create mood boards, conceptualize shoots, make patterns etc. I try being cute about this design thing I have going on.
What can we expect from OATH in the next few seasons?
Bloody noses
Where do you see OATH in the next 5 years?
Stunting
For now, you can get your own piece of OATH from Rich himself but be on the lookout for OATH as part of the AKEDO Online Launch on the 21st of August and on, online store, Gold Street Society. Visit www.oathrm.com and www.facebook.com/oathrichmnisi for more.
All the best Rich. We can’t wait to see you at New York Fashion Week one day.
