Decide Mupesani, better known as Drip Psycho, continues to prove why he’s the stars’ stylist— with a nomination for the 18th edition of the GQ Best Dressed Awards in South Africa.
Drip Psycho is nominated for the Best Dressed Street Fashion Content Creator, a category that is being introduced for the first time in the Awards’ history. The winner for this award will be voted for online. The winner will be chosen for their unique style, personality, and creative fashion sense, and their ability to tell a story that is timeless and unforgettable through the way they dress.
Drip Psycho is the only Zimbabwean fashionista who was nominated; alongside South Africans Louis Dasi, Thalia Ngcobo, Lesego Skhosana, Carlitto Cool, Zipho Makhubo, Jacob May, Negus Masiku, Destiny M, Naledi Kgampe.
Speaking to Mcheno And More, Drip Psycho could not hide his excitement at being recognized by one of Africa’s leading fashion publications.
“Being selected as part of Southern Africa’s most stylish content creators is huge for me, words can’t explain how grateful I am right now. The nomination came unexpectedly and I guess God really did answer my prayers,” he gushed.
“The nomination not only makes me happy but it also encourages me to put extra effort in my work because I know more opportunities are yet to come.”
He extended his gratitude to his peers who have kept giving him the motivation to continue pursuing fashion even through it seemed like a futile pursuit at times.
“As a creative, there’s that certain point where you feel like giving up. Luckily for me, I was surrounded by people who forced me to keep pushing no matter how tough the situation was.
“Special mention to Bluesmoke, Ebbenezer Muchuwa, The Marcus (Zvinavashe), Albutler Rozebowl and Donell Mango just to mention a few. These people really played a big role in motivating my journey, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have reached this point,” he said.
It speaks volumes that Drip Psycho’s first quantifiable appreciation is coming from across the Limpopo, even though he has been responsible for the fashion on countless music videos by plenty Zimbabwean artists. This doesn’t surprise the creative at all, as he explained;
“I think what lacks in Zimbabwe for such recognition is that people are still afraid of taking high risks in fashion because our society hasn’t reached that point where they understand freedom of expression through Art.”
Regardless, Drip Psycho has hope for the future of Zimbabwean fashion. He believes eventually, Zimbabwe will catch up to our southern neighbors; and more importantly the stylist will gain the respect he deserves, especially from musicians.
“The role of stylists like me will continue to gain importance in Zimbabwe because we’ve managed to develop our own niche in the industry.
“Styling helps artists to shape their own personal profiles more because having a personal stylist means they can stay updated with the latest and trending fashion brands, whilst having curated wardrobes. This can save them from having to do outfit planning themselves and avoid wardrobe malfunctions in public spaces.”
After spending most of the year focused on styling others, Drip Psycho promised to deliver his own work, under The Homeless Kids (THK), a fashion collective which he co-founded.
“For THK a lot is in construction , I say expect a project Rollout and a Merch Drop thats all I can say'” he concluded.
