By Nathaniel Gondo
Fresh from closing off FW23 with a snazzy limited edition biker jacket, Black Effect has something for everyone with their first drop of SS23. This time, the streetwear brand has gone for an early 90s look inspired by hip hop culture.
Released on October 22, the Old English Style Collection comprises of tank tops — cropped for the ladies, plus a short and windbreaker combo that is definitely a future grail.
The collection name is taken from the font used for the design, and it resonates well with the design concept — a reimagination of 80s/90s street style. “The name comes from the style concept of the merch, and even the font name,” says Walter Gibbes Murungu, who is the founder and the Creative Director of Black Effect.
The tank tops have a minimalistic design, adorned with a vivid ‘Black Effect’ text in Old English Style that is well placed on the front center. They come in a variety of colourways — black, white, pink, beige, brown and cream.
The star of the collection is a two-tone windbreaker complete with shorts. It comes in two colourways — white and green, and white and purple. The windbreaker is hooded, and its top half is emblazoned with monochrome text — ‘Black Effect’ in Old English Style font. The bottom half features solid green or purple, your choice.
The shorts follow an almost similar pattern, only this time the solid colour is placed at the center, and the Black Effect monochrome is at the sides. These two pieces can be worn separately or as a perfect combo, complete with sneakers.
Being students of streetwear culture, Black Effect have always been mostly inspired by 90’s hip hop culture in their design. They’re always seeking new ways to reimagine the fashion of those times, which is considered a blueprint for present day street style worldwide. “Our designs are mostly inspired by the Oldies Hip Hop Culture from the late 80/90s. We are reimagining the use of tank tops in fashion and also touching the essence of tank crop tops for Ladies,” alludes Murungu.
Founded in 2018, Black Effect is one of Zimbabwe’s most consistent brands. They have delivered merch season after season, and this release is yet another addition to their stunning catalogue. They are a testament to the growth of homegrown streetwear fashion in Zimbabwe. You can check out as well as order the new collection via Black Effect’s Instagram or X. Better yet, place your order directly with Black Effect head honcho, Walter Gibbes Murungu.
