Our first feature article on New Image Kingdom (NIK) was published in early 2024.
Coming out of Bulawayo, the streetwear brand had been born out a passion for artistic expression — three youngsters upcycling denim to create dazzling pieces. If you remember, 2023 was the year of denim; and upcycling was the craze. This is how NIK immediately found themselves in the conversation, tipped as one of Bulawayo’s rising stars in fashion.
As 2024 rolled in, fashionheads were bursting with anticipation, waiting to see what NIK was going to do next.
AW24 came and went. Fashion shows? A few. Pop ups? A couple. But still, no collection. SS24 rolled in, and the streets were kept waiting. As the year approached its nadir, speculation was rife and rumours were circulating.
And then on 25 November, Heaven on Earth dropped – an expansive collection to silence the critics. It comprised of almost 30 exquisite pieces; including tote bags, side bags, customised jeans and shirts. As you peruse through the pieces, one thing becomes obvious – the Heaven On Earth collection was worth the wait.
Although the overarching design principle remains (manipulating denim by painting or ripping), the collection shows that the trio have matured in their approach to design. The rockstar aesthetic still remains, but it is evident that NIK has aged.
For some pieces, they even disregarded denim altogether, opting for cotton. The versatility of Heaven On Earth is unmatched, with the collection even considering the ladies. This collection made sure that there’s an NIK piece for everyone.
Barely a month after release, NIK hosted their first show of 2024 on December 21. Dubbed DREAMS, it was a fashion, music and art fete at Cement Recreational Club that brought together both the young and old. As expected, Mcheno and More was on the ground to document another step in NIK’s long journey.
We caught up with Keith Chikoza, head designer of NIK, at the event; and before we could move forward we had to take each other back. In the 2023 interview, he had hinted that NIK would release the Heaven on Earth collection by mid-2024. So, why did it take so long to release this collection?
”We took our time to perfect the Heaven on Earth collection because we wanted to ensure that every piece met our high standards of quality, craftsmanship, and emotional resonance. We also engaged in extensive research, collaboration, and testing to guarantee that the collection would resonate with our audience,“ answered Chikoza.
Close to thirty pieces, each finessed into a masterpiece by the NIK team, proving their sheer talent. The Heaven on Earth collection was inspired by real life, from the perspective of the trio. “We drew inspiration from nature, art, and the human experience, seeking to craft a collection that would inspire hope, resilience, and positivity,” described Chikoza.
It might have seemed like a lowkey 2024 for NIK, but the streets don’t lie. The massive turnout at the DREAMS event proved Bulawayo is paying attention. On top of that, we’ve all seen the pop ups at other events like Outfitters Fest plus cosigns from Bulawayo royalty like Asaph Afrika — NIK is booming in Bulawayo.
At the DREAMS show, Chikoza shared his vision for NIK in 2025.
”In 2025, we’re committed to taking our brand to new heights. We’ll be expanding our product lines, exploring new sustainable materials, and collaborating with like-minded artists and activists.
“We’re also planning to launch a series of community-driven initiatives, aimed at promoting social justice, environmental awareness, and emotional well-being. Stay tuned,” he concluded.
We are now three months into 2025, and this time around, we didn’t have to wait long for NIK to deliver their promise.
On 19 April, they will be hosting a show in collaboration with NoHeeps and Dreams Reality called Y2K Identity. Attendees can expect performances, a fashion runway and a craft showcase,; at Bulawayo Chief Village. Speaking ahead of the event, Chikoza promised the usual, stating;
“We always bring NIK to the people, Y2K promises to be an unforgettable experience, pushing boundaries and redefining the intersection of music, fashion, and art.”
NIK’s trajectory is the result of unrelenting passion and consistent application. In-between the releases, they never stopped dreaming and working. The brand has endured, and now they are being rewarded for their resilience. They have proven that they deserve the hype they get in Bulawayo fashion.
Be sure to come the Y2K Show on 19 April. You can get in touch with No Heeps and New Image Kingdom on Instagram for tickets.
