Quintessentially Qonya
There is something about Ayan-da Qonya’s bold yet wearable designs that just makes you smile. “I believe that what you wear should make you feel happy,” says the 28-year-old designer, who is wearing one of his signature, wildly colourful suits, awash with tribal prints.
Ayanda gets his inspiration from nature. He was born in the Free State and raised among the green hills of the Eastern Cape, in the town of Dutywa.’My clothes are bright, like nature,” he says.
He first explored his creativity as a child, moulding “cows and tractors” out of clay. “I was always good with my hands.”
What I love are the clever touches. The back piece that unzips to reveal a different design… the band of shweshwe on the cuffs… Some pieces are splendidly colourful, combining multiple prints in a way that feels put-together rather than jarring; while others are minimalist with just a smattering of geometric design that is nevertheless as impactful. “I want my designs to make people say, “Wow, how did he come up with that?”
Ayanda recently moved from Gansbaai to Zwelihle. “As the largest town in the Overberg, I felt there would be more opportunities in Hermanus.”
He has given himself a huge project – designing 34 garments in just one month for a local fashion show. It’ll be Hermanus’s first fashion show by a Zwelihle designer. Ayanda’s work will be the main feature but the show will also feature several other talented Zwelihle designers.
“It’s going to be a lot of work, but I’m determined.”This is his big shot. While great strides have been made in the fashion world internationally -he is a big fan of David Tlale and Gert Coetzee – Ayanda believes there is a gap in the market for accessible day-to-day clothing that combines both modern elements and tribal prints.
“I want to inject a little South African chakalaka,” he says with a smile, “and get not just tourists but South Africans from all races to start wearing more tribal print and being proud of our fashion. I want people to see one of my designs overseas and say, ‘That’s from South Africa”
Ayanda, who completed a sewing course at Learn to Earn in 2013, sews his creations himself from his home in Zwelihle. “I like peace and quiet while I work.”
He started off designing and making matric dance dresses and this year founded his label, AyandaQonya.
But now he must excuse himself from the interview… He has 34 garments to make.
The Runway Fashion Show Exhibition takes place on 14 December from 18:00 – 22:00 at the Hermanus Municipal Auditorium. Book via ayasclothlngrange&igmall.com or 0661329728 (call) or 0719749462 (WhatsApp). Tickets can be collected at the Cape Whale Coast Tourism Office or The Village NEWS office In Royal Street. The cost Is R50 for general admission; R150 for VIP, and R300for VVIP tickets.
Those interested in sponsorship opportunities (materials, sewing machines, etc), can please contact Ayanda on the above email or phone number.
Writer Leigh-Anne Hunter