After a humble genesis in Bulawayo over a decade ago, and a resurgence in Indiana; US-based clothing brand Phony Studios continues on its fine run that started with 2023’s Soccer Collection.
They dropped their first release of the year on July 5, a three-piece capsule collection titled Phony Studios SS24. One might wonder, why call it “SS24 collection” when we’re now just recovering from a very chilly winter. It’s because it’s summer in the United States of America, where the brand is based.
Now let’s turn our attention to the important stuff — the pieces.The Phony Studios SS24 collection comprises of a summery light checkered denim set and a vintage washed black t-shirt.
Phony Studios founder and Creative Director, Peter Savanhu, revealed the main inspiration behind the new collection design came from a chance encounter with a unique fabric that so happened to be in his favourite colour — green.
“My favourite colour is green. I ran into that checkered denim when one of my manufactures were showing me some material and didn’t know what to do with it. After several samples I ended up using a lighter version of it but topped it off with double knees in a different shade of green too,” he described.
The buttons of denim set are custom cast-alloy buttons, inscribed ‘Phony Studios’. How appropriate.
The fit of the jacket itself is boxy, and the added pockets come in brown, at the bottom lower part of the jacket instead of the top. The pants are also adorned with the custom buttons.
The pants also come in a checkered denim and brown embellishment design. At the bottom hem of the pants, there’s also an additional 2 inches so if you rip the seams of the hem, the pants can be even longer. Why?
“I did it was because I’m a 6’3 tall guy and at times it gets hard to find pants that fit you. I made sure almost anyone tall can enjoy a straight fit and even a baggy fit at the bottom,” explained Savanhu.
For Savanhu, his favourite piece on this capsule collection has to be the washed black graphic t-shirt. The graphic on the t-shirt depicts hands pulling puppets that cleverly spell out the words ‘Phony.’
“The graphic on it is a reminder that someone is always in control. The hands with the “phony” ring and pulling strings down to the figures that ironically only spell phony,” articulated Savanhu.
The Phony Studios head honcho also gave a teaser on the next collection, revealing that the pieces are readily available and just waiting for the appropriate time to release.
“Several of the next pieces that will be released were long designed and have just been archived,” divulged Savanhu.
Having kept the dream alive for a decade and across continents, Savanhu is determined to keep creating until something shakes up, as he declared;
“The hopes with this collection are just to keep on creating till I get recognized.The plan is to not give up cause if it was so easy everyone could do it.”
Such unshakable determination is exactly what this industry needs. If Zimbabwean fashion is to break through, creators need to be driven by more than just the fame or the money, but rather the dream of being the pioneers.
It is for the same reason that Mcheno And More emerged — to be the documenter, immortalising creators like Savanhu bold enough to chart a path that the next generation will follow.
You can purchase the Phony Studios SS24 collection on their website right now, from anywhere in the world; and it will be delivered to your door step. You can also stay abreast on everything Phony Studios on their Instagram page.
