Joburg’s fashion-exploring African son
JOBURG - Self-confessed fashion explorer Walter Nakene, aka Sparks, is a busy man these days.
The designer works from his Vancouver Studio Number One at Fashion Kapitol, kitting out clients with his own take on hip and happening fashion trends.
“I founded Vancouver – African Son Design nine years ago, while I was still studying fashion design at the Waterberg FET College in Limpopo,” said Nakene.
“I’ve been in Fashion Kapitol for three months, and see clients nearly every day. I focus on everyday, street and urban wear.”
According to the brand’s Facebook page, the label was inspired by George Vancouver, who explored “oceans, islands and sea”.
“He [was] the founder of Vancouver city, and we wanted to take the concept of exploring into fashion,” he said.
“We set trends. I look at what’s going on, and then put my own spin on it. I also have my own designs; things I’m known for, like the current line of jeans with wool elements.”
Nakene said that originality was the most important of his design elements.
Looking ahead, the designer said that his summer range would include light colours and African prints, especially South African-made shweshwe fabric, sponsored by Da Gama Textiles.
Nakene said that awareness around his brand was growing, and that the label would make an appearance at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week next year.
“I was invited to Vancouver Fashion Week in Canada, but we struggled with the funding to get there, so couldn’t attend,” he said.
“Last year, we did a fashion show at the Sylbna Lifestyle Awards. This year, we’ve been nominated to receive one of the awards.”
Nakene said it was his love of clothing that led him to study fashion design.
“I bought so many clothes while I was at school – there was a lot of competition with labels among my classmates,” he said.
“Then I realised I had talent, so decided to study fashion design. I knew I could make my own clothes.”
While his friends supported him, Nakene’s mother had to warm to the idea.
“I’ve proved myself to my mother, and she supports me now. She has even been to one of my fashion shows.”
Details: Vancouver – African Son Design is at Fashion Kapitol, 130 Pritchard Street, Johannesburg; 011 042 8988; 078 405 7651; rnakene@gmail.com
To vote for Nakene’s label in the Sylbna Lifestyle Awards, SMS the word ‘Vancouver’ to 33142 before 23 August.
