Pretoria - They call their movement Team Wear Anything. And they really do wear anything – if it is retro, old school or vintage, of course.
Thifhelimbilu Mudau and Maitele Netshimbupfe started out wearing skinny jeans and printed T-shirts because they wanted to look fashionably different.
When that look became mainstream, they opted for vintage – and that has been their look for the past two years.
“When the skinny jean look became popular, we did not look that much more different from anyone else. We wanted to stand out so we went for old school, retro and vintage looks,” said Netshimbupfe.
The two said they had not been to a shopping mall or retail outlet to buy clothes in two years.
They buy all their clothes from jumble sales, thrift stores and pop-up events where people take old clothes, then revamp them.
“Don’t forget your father or grandfather’s closets. I even took some of my granny’s clothes and made them unisex,” Netshimbupfe said.
“Our friends used to laugh and tell us we just wanted attention but when they saw the attention and support we got, they wanted to be styled too. We want to show people it is all about fashion.”
They are often told they look like Will Smith in the television series Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, MC Hammer and Bobby Brown, and they have even heard that their style resembles Michael Jackson’s.
“People admire our style. They take pictures with us and ask us where we get our clothes and accessories from. We are grateful that people like what we do,” said Netshimbupfe.
During the photoshoot with the Pretoria News in Sunnyside, dozens of passersby wanted their pictures taken with the pair.
The pair said they styled their friends when they went out, so people recognised the larger movement.
“Normally people do not see the magic in clothes sold at jumble sales. We go there because no one sees the magic. Every item there is unique,” said Netshimbupfe.
“Things like old leather jackets and worn-out denim jackets we can find at cheap prices.”
Netshimbupfe says he never leaves the house without dressing the vintage part. There are no sweat pants and flip-flops here.
Originally from Thohoyandou, the two have been in the capital city for more than three years, studying in business-related fields.
The pair said they wanted to put Pretoria on the map in terms of fashion.
“Joburg and Cape Town are well-known for their fashion. We want to push our style in Pretoria,” said Mudau, sporting lime green “happy socks” under his formal trousers.
Mudau said his favourite style item was the vest.
“I even cut shirts with sleeves to make vests,” he said.
High-waisted pants and shoes with tassels are central to Netshimbupfe’s look.
“And I love gold, all things gold,” he said, showing off gold-coloured rings on almost all his fingers and a chunky golden chain around his neck. He has a tattoo on his chest, expressing his style: “Fashion rebellion”.
For now, their fashion is a hobby, but their blog has opened doors to develop their unique style as a possible business opportunity.
“We did not expect the number of people who follow us, but those who do have asked us to style them and we even go out hunting for items people ask us to find for them.”
Netshimbupfe said having their own line was their dream.
“I want to be invited to every fashion event. That is how well-known I want to be for my style,” said Mudau. - Pretoria News
* Visit Team Wear Anything’s blog: http://jumblesalemagic.tumblr.com.