For South African designer Rich Mnisi, appreciating the VaTsonga tribe’s rich heritage and its women was the driving force of this collection dedicated to his mother. Titled Hiya Kaya, the brand is using his Spring Summer collection as a call-to-action for the protection of women – a message that is especially important right now in South Africa.
With the release of this collection the designer wrote:
“In a film shot in Louis Trichardt (Limpopo), Hole In the Wall (Eastern Cape) & Llandudno (Western Cape) we invite you on this journey with us – we ask that you close your eyes and imagine the sounds made by a people who boast many multi-disciplinary talents ranging from singing without a conductor, composing songs without notes, and excelling in cultural dance without choreography. Open your eyes and be transported to a scene in a Tsonga village, where the women are in the throngs of a recital of their world-renowned twist dance – a dance which involves vigorous pelvis gyrations driven by core strength and stamina.
In a timeless celebration of the majestic VaTsonga female form, the Hiya Kaya SS21 collection is truly a testament to her beauty, power, resilience, and fortitude. Her essence has finally been brought to the light, for the world to marvel and draw inspiration. We are honoured to have been entrusted to tell her story through wearable art.”
This collection is dedicated to Rich’s mother and all women.