Actor and choreographer Somizi Mhlongo took on this year’s “Marvels of Mzansi” theme for the Durban July by transforming the pages of the Sunday Times into a fashion statement.
“The inspiration behind the dress is my love for the Sunday Times,” said Mhlongo. “We live in a world now where any news is news just for the sake of it, but the Sunday Times has always been consistent.”
The Sunday Times visited him earlier this week, as he was putting the finishing touches to his multiple outfits at Hollywood Costumes in Krugersdorp.
He said he initially wanted to stomp the divots in three looks, which quickly turned into six and then eight outfits.
“We did some outfits for Somizi two years ago for the Durban July,” says Heidi du Toit, the grand dame behind Hollywood Costumes who Mhlongo tapped to help bring some of his costumes to life.
“He gave us the theme and what he wanted and we change as we go. You never end up where you start — what good is a mind if you can’t change it?”
Hollywood Costumes’ previous works include pieces made for shows like The Masked Singer, in which Mhlongo was a host.
For Mhlongo’s gown, Du Toit’s team collaborated with him to create a multidimensional outfit featuring gold colours that bring a regal flair to the whimsy of newspaper pages from the Sunday Times.
Other than featuring Somizi’s eye-catching headlines over the years, it also celebrates reports including the coverage of Trevor Noah’s Oscar host takeover, the passing of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Tyla’s Grammy win.
The team also employed 3D printing for finer details of the garment, including an elaborate bodice piece and a camera-style headpiece. For Mhlongo, “it’s all about celebration”.
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Mhlongo’s outfits also take a page from the woman in his life. In a theatrical grey two-piece ensemble, Mhlongo pays homage to Sarafina, a film role he sneakily got without his parents’ knowledge. Honouring his late mother, award-winning actress Mary Twala, he handcrafted his own garment using beads to celebrate her legacy.
“I’ve always been a creative when it comes to fashion but I didn’t know what to do or how to do it. But now I know so I’ve been fully involved. Everything you see, I physically sketched and designed. The danger about this is that I’m still new and I’m still excited so I never know when to stop!”
While he is known for his love of dramatic styling choices, becoming a designer has increased his hunger for crafting.
At his fitting he screams at a new hat, sculpture or embellished vuvuzela. While it has given him more knack for garment construction, Mhlongo says he is not looking to create high-end couture pieces but rather focus on “ready to wear pieces, because South Africans want practical clothes”.
He said his next big fashion move was the debut of his collection in spring with a stand-alone show at SA Fashion Week.
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