We talk fashion with Ntwana founders Mikhail Brown and Mmiso Luphondo
GLAMOUR: Can you share your journeys as designers?
Mmiso: I’m no designer; I just love clothes! It’s always been sparked by the need for something I know I won’t be able to find locally. We decided to make things ourselves to solve the problem!
Mikhail: I’ve always enjoyed drawing and sketching from a young age. I started doing short design courses at STADIO (formerly LISOF) in 2017/2018, and got into fashion styling for a few years. The first time my designs were taken from the conceptual stage into production was in 2022, when Mmiso and I had an idea and ran with it. I’ve also worked at STADIO full time since 2023, so design has been at the forefront of my creative journey for the last three years.
G: Your design aesthetic is very much inspired by streetwear. Was this intentional?
Mmiso: Absolutely. We are inspired by what is happening in the streets and a bit of what we think is missing from the streets. Both Mikhail and I really love keeping our finger on the pulse when it comes to what’s happening out there.
Mikhail: Yeah, definitely. I focused a lot of intention and curiosity on the techno and house underground scene. I always wanted to go to Berlin and party at the clubs, and wanted to look the part. That world definitely inspires me a lot and determines the aesthetic I like.
G: Can you describe the fabric you’re using for your pieces?
Our best known work is made from a faux leather that imitates ostrich leather. We’re also working with mohair and silk.
G: Why did you make this your signature fabric?
Mmiso: We love leather because it’s a versatile material, and it’s sexy and mysterious. The ostrich faux leather is an interesting derivative of the black leather look. It definitely turns heads because it’s so striking. It’s also really simple, it’s just a black trench but it’s unique and striking. Mikhail wanted to get into Berghain, which is a really exclusive club in Berlin, and if that coat is beautiful and striking enough for that, then it’s a good place to start. It’s a beautiful material with a beautiful texture that we identified as something our customers would enjoy.
G: You haven’t been around for very long but you’ve garnered quite a following. How have you managed to do this?
Mikhail: I think the garments speak for themselves and present a different look for people to feel attracted to. We love working with cool people and they like our clothes, so we try to manage that in a way that everyone gets what they want.
Mmiso: We have a very supportive community around us. In addition to the product being a great one, we have also reaped the benefits of being supportive, too. Going into this journey we had a lot of conversation with industry people and tried and tested our concepts on our peers, an exchange that has helped us position ourselves as we have .
G: Who influences your style?
Mmiso: We’re influenced by everything really; a curated version of everything. It’s the different underground scenes, musicians, our friends, other designers, restaurants, buildings, music videos. Lenny Kravitz , Rihanna , A$AP Rocky... The list is long.
Mikhail: If it has an element of darkness, sexiness or confidence, I’ll like it.
G: You’re pursuing a fashion degree while building your brand, how do you juggle it all?
Mikhail: To be honest, I’m not sure! I try not to linger on things and just get as much done as I can, when I can. It’s demanding because there are only so many hours in a day. On the other hand, I don’t have to make up scenarios in my head to apply what I’m learning at school. I think the really great thing is that I’m part of a team, and we help each other to achieve our greater goal.
G: What are your hopes for the future?
Mmiso: We want to be internationally recognised and continue having freedom of creativity so we can keep creating something authentically ours.
G: Is there a celebrity you would love to see wearing your clothing?
Mikhail: If I could choose anyone, it would probably be FKA twigs or Jude Bellingham.
Mmiso: All of them!
G: Tell us about your new collection.
It’s called Episode. We’ve added a lot more styles – you’ll see more skirts and cropped jackets and a few more jerseys. The story is based on a night and morning circa 2018. It touches on what freedom is, how destructive indulgence can be, and that pain and turmoil can still be beautiful. It’s about how there is beauty and love in even the darkest of rooms. It’s dark, sexy, and moody.
G: What’s next for Ntwana?
We want to continue telling our story and sharing our experience. We want to penetrate global markets. But only time will truly tell.
Team Credits:
Creative direction: Mikhail Brown
Photography: Paul Shiakallis
Photography assistant: Hlengi Welala
Styling: Peyton Basson
Production assistant: Whitney Swartz
Makeup: Amka Beauty
Makeup Assistant: Mon Louw
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