To celebrate Africa, our diversity, and what we own as Africans, the founder and creative director of afro-futuristic fashion brand Imprint, Mzukisi Mbane, has partnered with leading men’s fashion store Markham. The partnership is all about leaving a fashionable African mark and conveying the stories of our cultures through iconic prints and specific moments in time.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by IMPRINT South Africa (@imprint_za)

The beauty of every story lies in the foundation of what brings it to life, and for Mzukisi it is a story of a former accounting student turning his passion for African storytelling and fashion into a reality that can be shared by the world. Authentic storytelling has always been on Mzukisi’s agenda and this partnership with Markham provides an opportunity for dappers to celebrate and adorn his brand story. 

With a love for clothing and design, but no prior experience in the fashion industry at the time, Mzukisi started Imprint from his hometown in Khayelitsha and knew that he wanted to create something unique, from a relatable story. Imprint’s vision, rooted in its very own culture and heritage, aspires to ignite a light that leaves a mark on the world. While firmly planted in Africa, it is accessible and attainable by anyone. 

“There’s more to fashion than finding the right fit and pairing the right items, it is a personal statement and a story that one shares with others without using words. It is often said that what we wear is an extension and reflection of our persona; and the Markham x Imprint collection represents exactly that – the bold and vibrant African persona,” said Mzukisi Mbane.

The exclusive Markham x Imprint collaboration is inspired by authentic storytelling through design; and explores a range of bold colors, with each print telling a unique story of its own. The collection lives the DNA of Imprint – constantly evolving, allowing new styles and fresh details to birth from each new season. Imprint draws inspiration from music, people, places, and most importantly “OUR ROOTS”, who we are as Africans, where we are from, and where we are going. The collection has three print variations which are versatile and can easily be paired up for any occasion, from formal looks in the office to sunny, poolside chills on weekends. 

‘Inkomi yaBenguni’

The pink Inkomi yaBenguni is especially meaningful, as it reflects the ‘true imprint effect’. This design’s beginnings were red, blue, and white which was inspired by the iconic African shopping bags that are widely used across the continent. The pink, yellow and green colors were introduced to the print at a later stage. The print also includes cow heads, celebrating the significance of a cow and what it symbolizes to our Nguni culture, the life that it gives, the life that it takes, and the families that it brings together. 

‘Futuristic Zebra’

With this design, Mzukisi elevated the print that he has become known for with the addition of teal. The rationale was to take this print to the future because that’s what Imprint is all about, it’s afro-futuristic. “This re-imagined print is special to the team in that the added inspiration came from a joke about the future of Zebras and what they are going to look like according to the Imprint team. This is the futuristic Zebra look, if the fashion influence could spur further”, says Mzukisi as he laughs. “Working with Markham has been thrilling. It has been a learning experience for Imprint to tap into a space we hadn’t explored, and we can’t wait to see where this threaded storytelling goes”, he added.

‘Africa is not a Trend’

One of Mzukisi’s favourite designs, the black & white print ‘Africa is not a trend’ draws inspiration from Malians. The thinking behind it was about celebrating Africa’s diversity and what we own as Africans. A simple but trendy message to push out through what we wear and how we wear it.

Markham’s head of marketing, Nicol Rademeyer, points out that Imprint’s bold range and design elements align perfectly with the trends and orientations of this season’s themes, adding to the flair of the global south. “There is a movement towards heritage and locality, and Imprint’s work tells the story of design in our country. It is important for retailers to work with South African designers and upcoming talent to ensure that we grow the fashion industry,” he says.

With this collaboration, Markham aims to showcase its continued support to the local fashion industry by giving Imprint a platform to share its stylish, proudly African story and reach a wider audience while also connecting with new markets. This trendy collection is easily accessible at all Markham stores, allowing customers to pick their favourite Imprint pieces and celebrate what the brand stands for. 

You can shop your favourite looks from R199,00 and leave your mark with a fashionable Imprint ensemble.