FASHION: Traditional Zulu sandals made out of old sneaker soles...
From old school to street cool...
Who said traditional items couldn't make the fashion forward cut? Certainly not local designer and musician, Thando Simelane. After experiencing the traditional Zulu sandal was not not all that comfortable, he put his thinking cap on...
There is always room for improvement and when it comes to style and comfort, there is definitely room for exploration. In this case, it was merging the Nguni sandals with the soles of old sneakers.
"The musician behind the hit song Egoli, who’s also a fashion enthusiast, loved wearing Mbatata sandals, but a lack of comfort was a problem." (Business Insider) He went on to say that he couldn't wear it longer than two hours and the that the rubber sole didn't bend...
This is what prompted his journey into searching for the sole-mate...Simelane and his business partner, Katlego Leroy Tsoagong also known as ‘Cozy Bone’, decided to visit the option of sneaker soles.
"The product was well received and landed them a collaboration with Sneakers 4 Change, a local sneaker donation organisation which collects sneakers to donate to the less fortunate." (Business Insider)
What a great way of merging something so traditional with something that is known for comfort but also has its roots in being trendy (sneakers). What's even greater is that this eclectic sandals made their way onto the runway.
"Thai-born, Cape Town-based fashion designer Chu Swannapha", contacted the duo and featured the sandals at the Durban Fashion Fair in 2019. (Business Insider)
We love how something so simple got transformed into something that is practical and resourceful, yet still holds true to its roots. Also, the fact that you don't have to reinvent the wheel with fashion.
What would fashion item would you make more comfortable if you had the chance and the means?
Image Courtesy of Facebook