Written by: Xolani Shabalala

Street fashion is not created in the studios but like the word suggests, it is created in the streets. It is mostly seen in urban areas where unique personalities tell their life stories using garments as their story book. Generally associated with youth culture, in this series you will be introduced to those young people creating change through their art; Fashion.

Meet Wonderboy Bheki Mthembu best known as Blaq Wonder on social media. This young man reigns from Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal. He describes himself as a loving, caring, patient person with a good eye for art. Above all he loves street fashion and photography.

He draws his inspiration from Loux a designer from Namibia, a self-proclaimed vintage fashion guru, Lungisani Mkhwanazi also known as Lungstar1966 and a member of the 4000society and Luyolo Sire a graphic designer.

From a young age growing up in Stanger, he was always informed about the importance of appearance. He said that growing up in a fashionable family enabled him to know what looks are good on him.

What distinguishes this 22-year-old from other street fashion lovers is his individuality and personality. The different fashion influences he has have allowed him to create one look which personifies the kind of a person that he is.

“I create art instead of duplicating what has already been done,” he said.

He is a big follower of people with genuine personalities and style in a way that him and like-minded people have started a flea market club where they will go around Durban’s flea markets to get clothes that will suite them and also network with other street fashion lovers.

“In regards to fashion and photography, I have a lot of collaborations and foreign work I still need to do but in 10 years’ time, I see myself owning a very successful brand and (with) a photography studio.”

*Photo courtesy of Wonderboy Bheki Mthembu