Sandile Mtombeni’s brand, Veppes Jeans, caused a media frenzy shortly after it was launched.
Mthombeni, who hails from eMalahleni in Mpumalanga, said he has had a decade of experience in jeans-wear fashion, stating that Veppes Jeans has been in operation for six years.
He named his brand Veppes because he believed it was easy to pronounce, and that it would appeal to the international market.
Speaking to Sunday World, Mthombeni said he gets his inspiration from local urban lifestyles, which have strong ties with fashion and music.
“The love for fashion started early when I was in my early teens, say [when I was] 11 years old. It grew as I got more accustomed to it,” he explained.
“I did sketches of different garments, and I think I bought my first sewing machine when I was in high school.”
He added that the positive response from the public has been a rewarding experience for him and his team.
Plan to open stores countrywide
“To have the names of DJ Sbu, Chymamusique, DJ Jaivane, Vuyo Dabula, and Judy J voluntarily endorsing the brand is just remarkable. That has helped me and my team; it just made a difference in our lives.
“Veppes jeans are cut to fit, functional, and have an appealing fashion flair.
“Inspiration is taken from South African urban lifestyles that have a strong relationship with fashion and music. I will then create designs that sync with the inspiration.”
Mthombeni explained further: “Our products are produced locally, 55% internally from the factory of 20 or more employees, and 45% externally by our subcontractors nationally.
“Expect more collaborative projects, widened product categories, and new stores.”
Currently, he has a store in Highveld Mall in eMalahleni and plans to open more stores in big malls across the country.
“We sell at our flagship store at Highveld Mall in Emalahleni, online at veppes.africa, and we’ll be opening at Braamfontein [Johannesburg] in a few weeks.
“Those who can’t access our physical stores can utilise our online store for a convenient shopping experience.”
