At just 26, Thando Ntuli-Sommie is a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world. After sweeping up awards in 2022, including the Mr Price New Talent Search and the Design Indaba Emerging Creative of the Year, her star has only continued to rise.
Her label, Munkus, named after a childhood nickname, has graced runways in South Africa and Lagos to critical acclaim. Her latest venture, a collaboration with Pick 'n Pay Clothing and graphic designer Kiav Mitoo, brings her signature vibrant style to a wider audience.
"I definitely think this is one of [my biggest achievements]," Ntuli-Sommie shares. "I hope you have a piece of me in that sense, rather than the more crazy things that go down a runway and you can't – not necessarily wear it every day, but it's not for everyone every day."
Despite her success, Ntuli-Sommie remains grounded: "I think I'm still a young designer...I don't think I'm any better than any of the designers." Her advice to aspiring designers? "It's not only talent but it's also just consistency and doing what you actually want without listening to the noise." With her talent, vision, and dedication, Thando Ntuli-Sommie is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of fashion.
With major accomplishments pushed under both her clothing brand MUNKUS and her given name, Thando opts for a calm existence in her everyday life.
"I work from home. I have two dogs, I'm recently married and he also works from home … So my day-to-day is at home with meetings, it's eating, I'm a napper when I'm stressed or depressed or whatever it may be.
"So, sleep and work, but it's my comfort zone. I think that's something that's also been seen in my brand that home is somewhere where I can be my best self, my worst self, my most creative self."
