Spleef Mczaul a crazy, cool and style crazed 20-something year old stylist from Joburg. He is passionate about fashion, thrift shopping and sells clothes as well for a living, he was also a collaboration on Live Mag’s Must Grabs Feature in the new issue 10 edition.
We met up with him at his pop-up store at Kitcheners in Braamfontein and we got to chat with him about his job as a stylist and a fashion lover.
‘’You can’t buy style but you can buy fashion.’’ – Spleef Mczaul
Why did you start selling clothes?
Clothes have always been easy to sell, people who buy from my thrift shop buy into my style rather than just the clothes. I’m a stylist and I embrace style.
Where do see the innovation of fashion in South Africa?
South African fashion doesn’t quite give us much variety as consumers. Particularly variety in owning personal style, dressing for seasons is not quite big in SA unlike fashion from abroad. The reason I sell vintage clothes and thrift shop is that I know for a fact that I’m going to get fashionable and stylish pieces that can be worn across the seasons.
What is your ideal customer?
A person who is moved away from the ‘’gender biased’’ mentality. I sell items that are unisex. People who are expressive and conscious about their style. We serve for an eclectic and style appreciative market.
What is the process of thrift shopping for you, do you go there knowing what you want?
Waking up and working. I don’t conceptualise. When I see something I like I can feel it and I know it will sell. I shop with an open-mind. Everyday is a surprise.
Do you see thrift shopping moving into malls in the future?
Yes but probably more of a reincarnated and high end sense of it in fashion. Vintage items are timeless and there will be no running out of clothes, we will always refer back to a decade ago and capture that fashion.
“You do not dress up to be different. Dressing up is a language, how you carry yourself in your clothes.”
What is it about Braamfontein that is appealing to you?
Braam is influenced by art and the people are curious about fashion and appreciate it.
What is your take on SA designers?
Too many of them and not enough work put in. On the creative aspect they are good, but limit themselves and not really innovative. We are too busy following trends and not setting any for our South African market. Fashion is a trend and style is the way you interpret the trend.
There you have it! “Style is an extension of your personality, something that suits your build and flatters you.’’ Stay posted on Live Mag to see more of his work!
Tweet me for more fashion news: @KCSeshibe
Photography by : @Bonganiii
