Creatives Corner: Volume One

Actor, filmmaker and director Aamir Khan said, "Creative people have no barriers. Ultimately, it's [about] connecting with human beings. There's just one planet. I don't see it as different countries." This is extremely profound because it means that it doesn't matter where you come from, what matters is the contribution that you as a creative strive to provide to benefit a population; whether it's on a small or large scale. This new instalment to the Delroyit'sDelroy Blog serves this purpose and allows fellow creatives to connect with you, the audience and possibly inspire you to explore realms you've always wanted to pursue, but have been hesitant to go all-in.

We kick off the Creative Corner series with a sit-down with a Polokwane young king, one who I see as a visionary and call a brother. Mlungisi Sibusiso Shaun Mahlangu A.K.A Lord McKnight A.K.A Sheezus is a man that is as diverse with his creative avenues as he is with his names. Alongside being a Construction Management student, he is the founder of a fashion label, Amen Apparels and Fullstop Store, a sneaker boutique AND is a musical artist on the side. This entrepreneur is a busy one, so when I had the chance to interview him I made sure to capitalise on the opening.

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What avenue does your aesthetic explore?

Simplicity is key. Sometimes, it's the best direction to follow. It doesn't necessarily mean be plain with the simplicity, but as long as it's not overcomplicated and remains relevant, then it does the trick for me every time.

What attracted you to the fashion culture and being an entrepreneur?

Wanting to be within the entrepreneurial space attracted me first. My dad is a business man, so I think seeing him in action from a young age attracted me to the lifestyle it served. I was always with it because I could see, based on my dad's success, that it was the key to financial freedom in terms of opening up lot of jobs and the economy. To be honest, fashion-wise I always knew how to dress nice. I think what attracted me to the culture was the waves Kanye West was making way before Yeezy was birthed and since then I was interested with what I wore and how to improve on what I already had.

What are the challenges you've faced throughout your journey?

Fashion-wise, funding is a major flaw as well as spreading the word about my label. Also it's a lot harder to get the resources you need in terms of the vison you have for the clothing to look. Ultimately the more money you have, the further you go and that's never the case as a novice. I haven't let it get me down though, if you put enough effort into something you'll eventually reap the reward, there's literally no way you can fail.

Who are your major inspirations in any field?

Business wise I'd have to say my dad and Richard Branson and on the fashion end of the stick it's definitely Jerry Lorenzo with his Fear of God label as well as Scott Dissick and his Talentless label. I look up to these guys because their brand is a representation of what I want my brand aesthetic to follow, Simplicity and elegancy, but still street influenced along with the right fit and feel. It's nothing too hectic and I think that's why i'm so interested in his brand.

What is your earliest memory you have of the fashion culture?

Colour blocking! I remember this so vividly. It was the age of the colour blocking and the age of the Supra. Supras were hot because Justin Bieber wore them in his "Baby" music video, people were just going crazy over them. I remember I had this pair that nobody had in my city. From what I remember, they were purple and yellow sole suedes and I had a variety of colour blocking jeans.

Where do you see your overall brand in the next five years?

I see it ALLOVER. I think because I centre it around simplicity, it's easier that way to be automatically called stylish in any setting; and I believe that with the right sources, funding, designs and feel that it'll go extremely far.

If you could go back to sixteen year old McKnight, what would you tell him?

I wouldn't do anything to change him, honestly. I feel like I'd just tell him to keep believing in himself and to keep dreaming big, because where I'm at right now, I'm not necessarily blown up, but I'm at a better place than I was when I was a kid. Ultimately, I'd tell him that he's on the right path.

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Shaun is extremely determined and I feel like it's a mantra that everyone should live by. It doesn't matter what field you pursue,but if you consistently work towards your vision, then there's no way the universe won't reward you.

Let's connect! If you are a creative and are keen on featuring on this segment, head over to DDB's contact page and write to us.

DDB