Siyababa Atelier is more than just a fashion brand; it is engraved with rich storytelling and representation. Every seam of strand and final stitch encapsulates the past, present or future often shaped by the personal journey and vision of its founder and creative director, Siyabonga Mtshali.

His lived experiences, perspectives, and creativity are woven into the very fabric of the brand’s identity. We had a few questions about the Siyaliza collection — here’s how the conversation unfolded.

Siyazila has received widespread attention for its emotional depth and cultural resonance. Can you tell us about the origin of the collection — what inspired it?

Siyazila is my first project after the death of my sister, uNontobeko Mtshali. I found that I never really got a chance to mourn as I obtained the position of being the pillar of strength, being the only man in the house. SiyaZila was set to be a coping mechanism for me. The collection is a celebration of her life, and she really wanted to reflect her bold, extravagant personality in the echoes of the collection.

The name Siyazila translates to “We Are Mourning.” What does mourning mean to you in the context of this work?

I refused to translate my experience of grief into a sombre experience. I believe that lives, dead or alive, are meant to be celebrated, and that was SiyaZila’s core mission.

Was there a particular moment or experience that prompted you to explore themes of grief and remembrance through fashion?

The day I needed to cry but couldn’t. I realised I needed to channel new methods of therapy, which was fashion.

How did you approach translating such a deeply personal and collective emotion into garments?

It isn’t my first collection with me using fashion/art as a healing method. My graduate collection drew influences from the grief of my father’s passing. In both Sibabi and Siyazila, I interpreted how they would look in the afterlife.

What has the public response meant to you — especially the viral traction on platforms like TikTok?

Haha Siyababa Atelier is a niche brand, and its ideas being exposed to the public on such a grand scale brought in a lot of new opinions from people in different backgrounds and fields. Both negative and positive, I always believe art is meant to create conversation, and that’s what we did.

Were there any moments after the runway show that affirmed the importance of you making this collection?

I finally got the strength to cry in the bathroom directly after the show. It felt amazing!

Collaboration is often key in creating impactful work. Who were some of the key collaborators on Siyazila, and what did they bring to the table?

Zandile Tshabalala and Siyababa Atelier bridged the gap between art and fashion by collaborating on Iziqhaza (traditional Nguni earrings). The visual artist listened to the Siyababa story and proceeded to interpret the feelings of the designer into a two-sided earring.

Retang Sebeka directed Siyalwa (Raging Bull), the film tells a story of Siyababa’s Zulu background having to confront his comfortability with his Queerness in Johannesburg.

Flim credits:

Creative director: @siyababa_
Directors: @retang_sebeka
Producer: @siyababa_
Producer assist: @tracymekgopo
Cinemtographer: @martybleazard
Camera Assists: @deskhamz and @boschemile
Gaffer: @lethabomachele
Spark: @larry_walkhardt
Edit and Grade: @deskhamz
Stills: @blackmilk_za with help from @lethabomachele and @larry_walkhardt

Cast:
@siyababa_
@tracymokgopo
@mr.allofit
@mbuyiselodhlamini

What’s next for Siyababa Atelier? Are there ideas you’re currently exploring or rituals you’re looking to revisit?

I want Siyababa Atelier to be more accessible to the public. We are currently working on merch and connecting with bouquets to summer gear, which I’m super excited about. BUY!!!

If Siyazila could be remembered for one thing, what would you hope it is?

Remember me as whatever you want, but just don’t forget to remember me.