A shipping delay by Phony Studios’ supplier has become a blessing in disguise, gifting us the brand’s first drop of 2025. What a way to start the year!
Based in the United States, the brand made headlines in July 2024 with a three-piece capsule collection that was supposed to be followed up in October with another drop. However, as fate would have it, the pieces were delivered late; only making way to the US in early 2025.
The result is a random drop of two pieces – a quarter zip jacket and a ribbed tee, fine additions to a stellar catalogue.
Catching up with Mcheno and More from his base in Indianapolis, the brand’s Creative Director Peter Savanhu explained; ”So, this collection, I would not call it a collection, it’s just two pieces that I dropped. We ran into some issues with the manufacturers, so we were not able to drop more things.
”We were supposed to drop around October last year, but there were delays my manufacturer. I ended up getting the stuff that I had already ordered late, so I wasn’t gonna sit around and wait for next fall. I just dropped it“
The quarter zip and the ribbed t-shirt come in grey and black respectively. The brand name is printed on the collar of the ribbed tee, while the other detail can only be felt. As for the quarter zip, Savanhu opted for 100% cotton, making for some thick and cosy threads.
Mcheno Style Tip : These two pieces come in handy as they can be worn separately or paired together. Wearing the ribbed tee inside, unzip the jacket to achieve a sleek grey and black contrast. Both pieces can be paired with anything baggy, be it jorts, cargo pants or old-money pants.
A good thing for the girls is the adjustable strings on the sides of the jacket. This allows one to wear it somewhat like a crop top by lifting it up and tightening it down. A perfect pairing is a tennis skirt.
These two pieces are as minimalist as Phony Studios can get, but the usual attention to detail remains.
For this release, Phony Studios went beyond the usual online drops and gave their customer an interactive experience. The brand hosted a pop up on March 8, in collaboration with Cargo Streetwear Boutique; an opportunity for the growing community of Phony Studios supporters to meet and connect.
As an icing on the cake, Savanhu was even offering on-the-spot customizing for every quarter zip jacket that was purchased, creating one-of-ones for every person who attended.
Savanhu foresees the quarter zip making a comeback in mainstream fashion in the near future, and he’s decided to catch the wave early.
”I usually see people do hoodies, I don’t see most people do quarter zips. I think quarter zips are something that will be coming back fully, maybe in like a year or two. Having such a statement piece, at this point, says a lot about our brand,“ he shared.
Having started Phony Studios in Bulawayo almost a decade ago, Savanhu still remains in touch with his homeland. For Savanhu, it has been endearing to receive support from his country people, even though he is based in the diaspora. He described,
”I have a lot of people supporting already from back home, which is absolutely great! It speaks to the belief that people have in your work or the vision or the people that are backing your talent, your gift, your passion, your dream or your goal.”
He concluded, “I’d also like to appreciate you guys. This is now our third interview and you’re always there shining a light on us to the Zimbabwean audience, being very supportive. And it really means a lot.“
Another season, another fire Phony Studios release. It is inspiring to see Peter Savanhu in the diaspora continuing on the path he started on over a decade ago in Luveve. As Phony Studios continues on its path, we’ll continue on our mandate of documenting the rise and rise of the brand.
We here at Mcheno and More believe that the diaspora community has a key role to play in the growth of our creative industries. Day by day, Phony Studios is amplifying Zimbabwe’s story to the world, giving new perspectives, and inspiring a new generation of Zimbabwe fashion icons.
You can order your Phony Studios merch via the website, and stay updated on new releases via the Instagram page.
