Fine Fashion Finds

As a self-proclaimed conisor of fine fashion, I’m ever so proud when I come across a fine fashion find – this Wednesday as I trotted through Jozi I came across a man named charli.

You’re probably wondering what is so fine fashion findish about him, well let me tell you… Charles Obura is a Kenyan born South African who has found a way to make money by making bags and accessories out of any and everything he can find.



cute clutch with a touch of Africa



His target market is that daring person who is not afraid to be unique and bold - he describes his bags and accessories as over the limit, stylish and dramatic. He prides himself on the fact that everthing he makes is hand made. Four years and still going strong, he promises his customers quality products that will make them look different and less western as most of them are ethic and appeal to the africanism in a person. Charli wants to take his products across the boarders to reach a broader target market - he sees himself competing withbig name brands like Gucci and  Louis Vuitton.

Charli's bags are creative and innovative, it's not everyday you can get a bag shaped like our continent



any material goes, even old vinyls



If you like what you see and want to buy or find out more about charli's eco friendly bags and accessories then you can call him on 076 366 5323 or email him @ charlimo@gmail.com

prweety in purple

Inkomasi don't get fresher than this

Nerd Republic

From the first day I heard the name Nerd Republic I knew I’d love it. Filled with spunky and funky nerdish swag, NR is a baby brand looking to make its way into the big league.

I got a chance to chat to one of its co-founders Phenyo Seemise about this new brand and what it is about.

       1.   HOW DID THE NERD REPUBLIC COME ABOUT?

The brand came about when we saw there was a gap in the market for something fresh that would go across the colour lines. The concept of turning intelligence into something cool and fashionable that appeals to a broader market.



NR original ladies Ts

      2.   WHO IS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE?

The beauty of the brand is that it does not have a limited target market, it appeals to a 6 year old up to a young adult depending on your preferred style.

3.   WHAT SINGLES OUT NERD REPUBLIC FROM OTHER BRANDS?

The brand name itself has the potential of branching into other markets and products like bags and stationary, book clubs etc.

It's a Lifestyle, Dare to Hate



4.   LOOKING AT YOUR COMPETING BRANDS, DO YOU THINK YOU STAND A CHANCE AND WHY DO YOU THINK SO?

Yes, other similar brands names could be limited to just clothing whereas we are a movement as opposed to just a clothing label.

5.   WHAT HAVE YOUR CHALLENGES BEEN SO FAR?

The biggest challenge like any other new company or ideal is marketing, but not only that but the methods used to market the brand. It is very difficult to pin point what method will work so we have to be very careful not to waste resources into the wrong marketing strategies.



Hot girls love Nerds

 6.   WHAT ARE THE NERDS SAYING ABOUT THE MZANSI FASHION INDUSTRY?

South African fashion has evolved and has become more exciting and less intense, because in the past designers were pressured into not losing the “African touch” in their designs so their designs became too “traditional” and could not be worn on any given day. They were for special events so that kind of limited their market. Now it’s fresh and easily accessible, wearable at any time and best of all it still has that African feeling to it without being too much.

7.   CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE THE NR GRACING THE FASHION WEEK RUNWAYS ANY TIME SOON?

Now we are still at the marketing stages of the brand, as soon as we have established a following and get a feel of what our market is hungry for then no doubt will take the fashion industry by storm.

8.   ANY FUTURE PLANS FOR NR?

We have big plans but we are going to keep them under wraps for now because they are a work in progress.

9.   HOW DOES NR FEEL ABOUT THE GREEN MOVEMENT AND THE GOVERNMENTS PLANS ON SUSTAINING A GREEN ECONOMY?

It’s a green initiative which we support fully and obviously try to get involved where ever we can as far as that goes.

10.   DO YOU WATCH THE BIG BANG THEORY?

Yes lol, who doesn’t?

NR is doing quite well for themselves and are already branching into a broader product range and I heard through the grape vines that they are already sporting winter gear.

To get more info on NR including how to order and get your Nerd gear on you can follow them on twitter @nerd_repulic and facebook on the Nerd Republic Clothing page. For the guys...like the NR crew always says "hot girls love nerds", don't be left behind and ladies, there is nothing hotter than a smart man who knows his game and oozes with style. Signing out on that NR Swag! ALL DAY, ER'DAY! 

By: Kgomotso Neo Khunou