MyBulawayo got a chance to sit down and have a chat with Ngugi Vere, the King of Fashion and here is what he had to say about who he is, being a Crystal Pure Life Brand Ambassador,how he has worked with and what motivates him.
MB:Who is Ngugi Vere?
Ngugi Velly Vere aka King Vere is a young Creative from Zimbabwe currently based in Johannesburg, SA. He is a Creative Entrepreneur focusing on; Celebrity styling, Personal shopper, Creative Director and Producer of Soweto fashion week. Ngugi is also a child of God who loves to share the kingdom through fashion and creative. He is also the co-owner of Shona Accra lifestyle.
MB:How did Shona Accra get started and what is the main objective of the brand ?
Shona Accra lifestyle was created a year ago after realising that my SA celebrity clients couldn’t find stylish afro-centric pieces so I decided to become the solution and created Shona Accra lifestyle with my old friend who is also a stylist, Track Ndlovu aka Bald Queen. Our main objective is to share the Africanness of our cultures to the world through creating Creative and Innovative competitive designs that of international standard. And inspire Africans and Africa the importance of authenticity and intergrity in the fashion industry for the growth of the industry.
MB:Who have you worked with?
I was very fortunate to work with some of the top SA artists and celebrities namely; AKA, Khuli Chana, Da les, Monique Bingham, Tresor, Black Coffee, Bongi Mvuyana, Bongiwe Silinda, Lungi Naidoo, 2Face, Tay Grin and many more.
MB:Tells more about being Crystal Pure Life’s Brand Ambassador
Being the brand ambassador of Crystal Pure water is one of those blessings I have in Zimbabwe. I’m glad that they saw my status, personality and influence good enough to be their brand ambassador. We still have a long way to go and but we will get to the top soon.
MB:Do you have any upcoming projects with in Zimbabwe planned any time soon?
Yes I do have upcoming projects in Zim but my team is working on them but we should be there twice for events we hosting.
MB:What can we look forward from you this year?
This year has already begun on a bang. I was privileged to host the Skip Slam fashion show at the Leaders of Tomorrow event inconjuction with Old Mutual and Carpe Media early this year. Next week I leave for Kenya to produce an Fashion week, Kiambu fashion week in Nairobi on 5-7 May and when we get back we have Soweto fashion week to produce from 25-28 May. Then June we have another international show to produce before we come to Zim.
MB:Tells us more about your partnership with Cindy Munyavi
Cindy Munyavi is a very good friend of mine and we just trying to change the game by supporting local. She is supports our brand and we don’t take it for granted.
MB:What keeps you motivated?
God keeps me motivated. And the desire to support my family and make them live a better life.
MB:What would we be surprised to know about you?
Well I’m passionate about empowering the youths of Africa through fashion and creative workshops and producing fashion shows for those who can’t afford mainstream fashion platform but are very talented. And, trying to help Africans and Africa to see the possibilities that fashion can create wealth in our economies through supporting local retail and designers growth. So that’s what we more focused on this year, travelling around Africa empowering and inspiring the young Creatives around Africa.
MB:Are you involved in any social responsibility projects?
Yes, I’m very much involved in Charity activities and supporting orphans and widows. I’m actually the founder of Isandla Sothando Organisation in Midrand. Was also the front-runners with a group of friends last year supporting victims of xenophobia. God blessed us to be a blessings to others. So thats what I do.
MB:What would you say to anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
My advice to aspiring Creatives is
1) Godfirst
2) Be Bold | Be Yourself
