As you guys know we've been working with Kudzi Karidza on a collaboration project for Havi-Air Clothing and his IMBYU clothing line. Being a big fan of Kudzi's work, and being privileged enough to have the opportunity to work with him, we are glad to see he's gaining notice for his efforts. Here is an interview he did recently with XTM Online. Enjoy...
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(Via
XTM Online)
Whether he’s attending a black tie affair or hanging out with friends, IMBYU's Kudzi Karidza has a way of setting himself apart from the pack.
By way of Zimbabwe, the Boston native (and current Atlanta resident) is looking to change the world’s view on Atlanta’s fashion industry one article of clothing at a time. While his style can be somewhat progressive and innovative for what some may consider a conservative market, it hasn’t blinded many from being inspired by his creations. I sat with Kudzi Karidza to get an in-depth look at his designs and his influence as a stylist.
XTM: So how long have you been into fashion?
Kudzi: As cliché as it sounds, I’ve been into fashion all my life. From picking out my ownclothes when I was only a child to admiring my uncles and how they dressed was really big to me.
XTM: Aside from you launching your brand IMBYU, you are also a stylist. Who are some people you’ve worked with in the past?
Kudzi: I’ve been a stylist for about 3 years, and some of the people that I’ve been able to work with include Ludacris and the dancers for his most recent tour, Jungle Boogie for ABDC, 3rd Flo, Slim from 112, Chevon from College Hill and Bumni Jinadu, who was Lauren Hill and Wyclef Jean’s stylist. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with some up-in-coming artist like J-Lie and Katy.
I’m a stylist my work isn’t limited to creating a look for clients, but I’m also called on to be a personal shopper for regular people who really don’t have the time or don’t know what to buy when they go shopping.
“I like giving people that confidence that they really can’t grab on their own”
XTM: What is it about your way of recreating someone’s image that separate’s you from the many other stylists in the industry today?
Kudzi: I’m a very diverse stylist and not only am I able to create the look that you are looking for but I know what someone means when they say they want to capture a more Victorian image. I can take one’s look from a regular urban kid, to the kid in L.A., to the kid in Miami, to New York and even to a level of capturing the Japanese street culture.
But what most people need to understand about fashion, style is mostly consisted of one’s confidence. It’s all about how you rock what you’re wearing, you can’t expect to put clothes on and let them speak for themselves. Clothes are only going to do as much as you let them and that is what separates me from the rest.
XTM: So what do you see in today’s fashion industry that a lot of people are trying to do, but just aren’t doing it right?Kudzi: In Atlanta’s market the lanes are pretty much wide open to try anything. The ladies do it well, but it’s kind of late for guys to start rockin’ colored skinny jeans. We’re two years into the colored skinny trend and if you were wearing a baggy pair of Girbaud jeans two years ago you shouldn’t be wearing skinny jeans right now. Just because a certain trend is hot doesn’t necessarily mean that trend is for everyone. What you’re wearing should match your personality.
XTM: With that said let’s talk about your line, how long have you been working on IMBYU?
Kudzi: I’ve been creating pieces here and there since 1996, but over the years I’ve really been trying to hone in on myself and put that passion into my work. By transferring that passion into my work people will be able to see various aspects of a skirt that I may create and not just see another skirt.
XTM: Does IMBYU stand for anything in specific?
Kudzi: Well, IMBUE means “to fill the mind with and inspire”. I spell it IMBYU because the clothes are by me, and IMBYU for me still carries the same meaning because everything I create is through inspirations that I see in everyday people and life in general.
XTM: So what are you currently working on?
Kudzi: Right now I’m working on a collection titled “Sorbet” and within the collection I’m using a lot of pastel colors. I decided to use spring and summer colors because I feel you don’t have to wear bright green or yellow to be bold. You can be bold with a pastel orange or even peach.
I think with this collection it will give men and women a new perspective and different flavor in what they can wear. For the women I’m working on a few dresses, skirts and I’ve completed a couple body suits. The men can look forward to cardigans, cotton ties, over-sized bow ties and some very innovative vests. I also have plans to launch my first set of graphic t-shirts.
Kudzi and I sat and talked for at least an hour discussing how he envisions his line being an inspiration for urban kids and those who are constantly told no, and that their way is the wrong way. His passion to create a brand that he can pass down to his grandchildren speaks volumes. Fashion isn’t a hobby or a means to make money for Kudzi Karidza, fashion is a way of life. And no matter how many times you’re told no, that one yes makes it all worth it.
