This month, we interviewed a man that needs no introduction; fashion industry veteran, curator and self-proclaimed creative nomad, Felipe Mazibuko. Not only is he the creative agent in styling and brand consultation, but he's also a researcher and collector of notes for a fashion journal we hope to see published soon. We’re seizing this moment to pick his brains on his love for local design, chat to him about his preference for XXL sizing and how he lives his life in our Field Shirt.
Tell us about what you do and how you ended up there?
Felipe: At the moment I am doing a lot of mentoring and consulting for young designers and brands if I am not researching and writing memoirs of a fashion book I plan on publishing.
I ended up doing here from over two decades of working in the fashion industry from styling for magazines, commercials, CD covers and musicians and celebrities.
Have you taken your Fields Shirt on any adventures thus far?
Felipe: I wore it last week for designer meetings and seeing the banker and i needed something fussy free workwear that still could look dressy so the Fields Shirt just hit the right style notes.
How have you styled the shirt?
Felipe: I wore it as an over-shirt with a ALC white shirt underneath with wide Cheap Monday jeans rolled up with white/orange Dope tennis socks and Dr Martens black brogues with multicoloured stitching and a beanie, not forgetting my mask.
What makes this shirt a keeper?
Felipe: I love the touch and feel of the BCI cotton and the fact that I chose it oversized so can layer and play around dressing it up or down make it a staple already in my closet and love the classic, navy colour.
Describe your style in three words…
Felipe: Classic... Unpredictable... Felipe'd
Do you have a workwear uniform or outfit formula?
Felipe: I stick to classics and basics but style and keep them contemporary with edgy fashion forward accessories and shoes.I am a huge supporter of South African designers and brands so my closet is filled with South African designers' treasures that I wear and collect.
What are the three wardrobe staples you’ll keep replenishing forever?
Felipe: White shirts:I wear them at least 3 times a week
One would be brogues, because they're classic and contemporary at the same time. And two would be trench coats because they're lightweight enough to be worn in summer. This pieces pairs especially well with a Breton striped tee, denim jeans and white sneakers while its oversized silhouette allows it to be layered in colder, winter months.
Images taken by Katlego Sheeyedah Mamabolo
Who do you look to for style inspiration?
Felipe: Style is very personal to me,I hardly follow mainstream fashion so my inspiration varies from a jazz concert vibe to a hip-hop nostalgic moment,visits to galleries and museums,daily travels back and forth to Soweto were home is but primarily Soweto and how I grew up in Soweto has always had a huge impact on my stylistic sensibility.
What is your city of style?
Felipe: Japan at the moment looks heavenly styling and uber stylish with such ease and comfort.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Felipe: Again South African Music like fashion comes first;
- Inganekwane by Zoë Modiga
- Banda Banda and the Crocodiles
- Ibokwe by Thandiswa Mazwai
- The Best Of Brenda Fassie
- Bamako by Simphiwe Dana
What are the other FIELDS pieces you’d like to own?
Felipe: The Themba Khumalo sweater and Fields Jacket are dream purchases that I absolutely covet. The Striped Cotton Box Tee is a must, and the Field Shirt in every colour.
Browse Felipe's favourite FIELDS pieces
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