In a world where fashion often succumbs to the pressures of conformity, Mfundo Love Phama (MP) stands tall as a beacon of unbridled creativity and unwavering dedication to his craft.

This South African fashion designer is not just making waves; he’s creating a tsunami of innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the global fashion landscape. With his brand, LOVE, Mfundo is redefining the boundaries of style, one unique piece at a time.

My Afrika Magazine journalist Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR) sat down with this fashion maverick to delve into his inspirations, experiences, and vision for a future where fashion knows no bounds.

TR: What’s the story behind Mfundo Love, and how did you fall in love with fashion?
MP: LOVE is the name of my brand, which God gave me as a calling. I fell in love with fashion because I grew up stitching my own torn clothes. I would take torn clothes and turn them into something I like, and I’ve always wanted to be unique.

TR: How do your roots and heritage weave their magic into your designs?
MP: Ah, my heritage is like the fabric of my designs – woven with threads of culture, tradition, and a dash of rebellion. Growing up in South Africa, I was surrounded by vibrant colours, textures, and patterns that tell stories of our rich history. I draw inspiration from the township streets, the rhythms of African music, and the resilience of our people. My designs are a love letter to my roots, blending traditional techniques with modern twists to create something uniquely mine. It’s about taking the old and making it new, just like how our ancestors adapted to their times.

TR: Where do you hunt down your incredible materials, and what’s the secret behind their uniqueness?
MP: I buy my fabric at DA GAMA fabrics. It’s how I imagine things, and uniqueness is what I love. I use wool to thread some parts of my garments, and I love mixing up colours when I’m constructing my garments.

TR: You rocked Eastern Cape Fashion Week – tell us about that show-stopping collection!
MP: It was always my dream to showcase at Eastern Cape Fashion Week because I started as a model. The theme was fashion in the life of AI – glitch in the stitch, so I came up with a collection inspired by nature because AI can’t really overcome nature. The collection was amazing.

TR: Soweto Fashion Week was a big deal for you, right? Why was it so important to attend the event there?
MP: I was accompanying a friend who is a designer. But uniqueness got me on the stage, and I was wearing my designs. It felt like I was showcasing.

TR: What’s next for Mfundo Love? Where do you see your brand heading, and who’s on your dream collaboration list?
MP: What’s next is making sure people buy my clothes, and I want to have my own fashion studio because, for now, I work from home. I’d love to collaborate with musicians and people like Somizi, Laduma Ngxokolo, founder of MaXhosa, David Tlale, and SA Fashion Week, and go international.

TR: What’s been the most challenging project, and how did you slay it?
MP: Building the brand from nothing, but consistency got me here, making sure I stay true to my artwork.

TR: What’s sparking your creativity, and how do you stay on top of the latest fashion trends?
MP: Uniqueness, and staying true to my art, and mostly my brand, is handcrafted in some parts of it. I really don’t follow trends because I am the trend.