Sakhile Sash Cebekhulu
Tom Dixon lights
x @yasminfurmie
The Johannesburg-based designer on decor trends, affecting fashion collections and what has shaped her personal style Whether sporting an eclectic ensemble, or running SiSi – a fashion label that focuses on shirts – with friend Cynthia Allie, social-worker-turned-designer and street style maven Yasmin Furmie marches to her own beat, defying preconceived ideas about acting one’s age. Right now, you’re inspired by… The young designers who are making their mark in the fashion, art and music worlds. Fashion designers who stand out for me are the likes of Thebe Magugu and Rich Mnisi, and Sakhile Sash Cebekhulu, who is a visual artist and fashion designer. Their work tells a cohesive story and the standard of production is amazing. What’s on your decor wish list? Tom Dixon lights. I love the mixed metals and the organic shapes. An artist everyone should have their eye on? One of my favourite young artists is Siwa Mgoboza. His work is thought-provoking, set in a utopian world where people aren’t placed in boxes and are shielded from all the ‘-isms’ by the colourful shweshwe cloth that comprises the most magicallooking outfits. An important part of your everyday style? Not overthinking anything. The ability to put looks together comes naturally. If it doesn’t and all one does is cut and paste, the end result is a contrived and inauthentic 12 ELLEDECORATION.CO.ZA THE URBAN ISSUE
look. Another important part of my everyday style has to be socks and shoes or sneakers. What is the first fragrance you owned? The first proper fragrance I owned as an adult was First by Van Cleef & Arpels. It made me feel sophisticated and oh-so grown up. The fashion collection that changed your life? Locally, the collection that really caught my eye was Chu Suwannapha’s 2015 debut label, Chulaap. It made me fall in love with prints and presented a truly African aesthetic with a global, contemporary appeal. I’ve worn his clothes ever since. The designer you would most like to have lunch with? In South Africa, it has to be Clive Rundle. His longevity, his knowledge and brilliance would keep me occupied – I would want to know how he has sustained himself in a very difficult environment where local fashion is often not supported. Favourite piece of furniture you own? My Rogan Jenkins coffee table. It’s simple, but effective. The person who has most influenced your career? Jamal Nxledana was instrumental in paving the way for me in fashion after I collaborated with his label, Missshape. Favourite material to work with? Cotton poplin. It’s what [the SiSi label] white shirts are made of.
Siwa Mgoboza at Matter Gallery, Canada
Rogan Jenkins table
PORTRAIT AND SISI FASHION IMAGE COURTESY OF YASMIN FURMIE; SIWA MGOBOZA PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MATTER GALLERY; SAKHILE SASH CEBEKHULU PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE ARTIST; GETTY IMAGES/ GALLO IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO/ALAMY
MY STYLISH LIFE