Sifiso Gcabashe, better known as deepancenstral, is one of the recognisable street style influencers in Braamfontein, Jozi. This 26 year-old archaeology and anthropology student from Wits University is an an underground house music DJ, a radio show host for House Of Rhythm (Voice Of Wits FM) and project specialist, who simply eases cool.
Ever since I have known him, denim has been a pivotal item in his ensembles, he brings a sense of joy and happiness to my eyes in how he has so much fun playing with this quintessential item.Since denim is on trend and visible on every social media platform in SA at the moment, there is no doubt he will be one of the standout peeps slaying this trend. Storytelling is his approach to style, aided by his obsession with hats and art of layering.
With our latest shoot, we contacted our good friends at Mr Price (MRP) to get their latest #mrpdenim line to play around with and mismatch with some deepancentral’s favourite items from his own wardrobe. The results? Well, they were simply spectacular even if he was a bit camera shy, the ensembles which I helped co-style shined. The #mrpdenim line is versatile from dungarees, straight-leg, slim-fit, denim jacket and everything in between, everyone will always be covered by this cool trend.
Who is Deepancenstral?
He is a creative by heart, who thinks outside the box, and his day job is working for a social entrepreneurship programme that aims to inspire and enable social entrepreneurs. He has been working with creative entrepreneurs for a long time including a group of young men in Braam called the ArtlifersZA.
ArlifersZA are a creative union of young people assembled to extend and exchange resources as well as skills to allow young people to collaborate freely. They use their influence and understanding of different markets to spearhead change. The idea is to create lasting legacy through creative mediums like “ ArtLifersRadio” which they host every Friday from 6-9 PM at the Red Bull/Prosound studio.
It seems it’s not only about being rad with these young folks, they also have a charity called “feed the streets” supporting homeless people around Braam every first Saturday of the month. You see, one can be stylish and socially responsible at the same time.
They have also ventured into street style apparels, introducing headbands which you can see on Jozi’s stylish. They are currently working on a collection, so it will be interesting to see what they come up with.
While we were busy shooting, I asked him who his style icon was, to which he replied with a firm voice: “I don’t know man, I don’t really have a style icon or person I look up to. I don’t really follow any blogs or really keep tabs on who’s wearing what brand. I wear stuff that I like.”
I interrupted him and fixed his outfit and he further added: “I think I pick and borrow from different eras… not from an icon. So from the 80’s I take a lot of the boots I like. I borrow from the 60’s as well, especially with rock and roll leathers, I like that sort of style. I am big fan of denim, the cuts are amazing, and that’s me”
I further asked him, what’s his favourite item from his wardrobe, he blasted the answer with a huge smile. “My red boots, I love my boots. They are the best thing ever. I mean I have a lot of stuff but that’s the one thing I really love.”
Any advice for young people who want to be creatives and make money from of thinking outside the box? He replied: “It’s great to be creative or an artist, but don’t chase terms like ‘I am a photographer or I am a blogger’, just do things you find value with but always have a sense of how does it affect the next person….Try everything, whatever makes you happy, give it a try, but always have a plan to back it up. Don’t be a wisher.”
Add some of #mrpdenim to your wardrobe. Head to their pop up store in 70 Juta Street, Braamfontein or buy directly online.
Follow @deepancestral
Co- styling by @sponono_fierce and @deepancestral
Words by @sponono_fierce
Photographed by @stay_prep_sa
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