DAPPER DUDES SWAZILAND

What started as a simple way to create unique fashion accessories for these young ambitious boys eventually morphed into creations about which both friends and strangers were asking.

A year later, they are grateful for the opportunity to earn a living by creating custom bow ties and lapel pendants that spark style inspiration, encourage conversations, and are passed down from family members and to friends.

Because of their unique background they are often asked about where they find inspiration. Speaking to STYLE, they reveal that it’s all around, particularly as a unit they are drawn to architecture, art, and even interior design.

Dapper Dudes Swaziland’s customer base, which consists of classic gentleman and fashion forward women, won’t settle for anything less than quality, uniquely crafted pieces. As Dapper Dudes continues to grow they hope that they will change the way men in Swaziland perceive style, here is how getting to know the brains behind this initiative went.

What is Dapper Dudes Swaziland and when was it launched?
Pre-launched in February 2018, Dapper Dudes Swaziland is a formal wear movement of young male professionals pursuing different careers in their life. They developed so much passion for formal wear and decided to collaborate and form a group of young men with class. The group comprises of six members namely: Sakhelo Nkambule (Software Engineer), Mancoba Msibi (UNISWA student), Thulani Lobhambo (Fashion Designer), Ndumiso Mkhaliphi (Sales & Marketing Director), Linda Chester (Mr Swaziland 2018 Organising Committee Director) and Bonkhe Shabangu (Agricultural Sciences teacher).

What is the inspiration behind forming Dapper Dudes Swaziland?
Having noticed that there is a small number of young men who are into formal wear and its emerging trends in Swaziland; we thought of coming together to drive formal wear trends in Swaziland. We have been following each other on social media sites, especially Facebook. We have always shown respect for each other when it comes to formal wear, got to keep in touch outside the social media space and participated together in different social activities. As like-minded young people, we share ideas and coming up with a formal wear movement became one of our ideas.

What role will Dapper Dudes Swaziland play in the local fashion industry?
As a movement of formal wear in Swaziland, we shall focus on driving new trends in formal wear for men; build a following for formal wear for men in Swaziland; design, stock, promote and resell formal wear for men in Swaziland; develop concepts for fashion related events; and also use our influence as individual members to help other brands reach their targets and gain more visibility. Dapper Dudes Swaziland will go as far as grooming other young boys in relation to keeping a good image, shaping goals and treating oneself as a brand.

What does it take to be part of Dapper Dudes Swaziland?
Well! Being a dapper dude means looking amazingly good in formal wear. It also means radiating a deep taste for formal or smart casual wear. Our dapper dude is also an individual that is updated on new trends and somehow has got the influence to set new trends. At the moment Dapper Dudes Swaziland is made of only six gentlemen. We are open to collaborations but at the same time, we would like to keep our numbers manageable. Those who want to be part of the movement are free to contact us. We have a Facebook page called “Dapper Dudes Swaziland” through which we can be followed and contacted.

What opportunities will Dapper Dudes Swaziland explore?
For us, this is the most important part for everything that we do has to add value to us and those in partnerships with us. As Dapper Dudes Swaziland, we will definitely look into designing, stocking, marketing and reselling of formal wear clothes and related accessories. Our activities will include modelling, fashion and entertainment shows, photography, social media marketing, brand activations and public speaking. We will seize other opportunities as they come. In fact! We won’t limit ourselves as we will also look beyond the borders of Swaziland.

As Dapper Dudes Swaziland, what message can you pass to other groupies of young people?
Young people should not be defined by the world and its circumstances. Rather come up with meaningful, realistic and creative ideas. There is so much growth in following your passion; keeping the right company of friends; keeping in touch with like-minded people; collaborating with others; sharing information and ensuring commitment in what they do.  Opportunities are not plainly visible to everyone looking for them…only those who are vigilant and well-positioned get to see these opportunities before they elapse. Lastly, young people should find sustainable ways of marketing their talent and skills for it shall expand their financial freedom.

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