Ency hits the local fashion scene

GASEBALWE SERETSE
Staff Writer | Tuesday February 16, 2010 00:00

 

According to one of the founders, Kennedy Lesole, the label was inspired by the American tragedy dubbed 9/11 when 3,000 people perished during the September 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in New York.

'It was around that time when we came up with the concept so we decided to dedicate it to the memory of those who lost their lives during the unfortunate event,' said Lesole in an interview with Mmegi Showbiz adding that the tragedy that hit the United States of America (US) changed the world order.

Lesole founded Ency, together with his homeboys Jobic Chakalisa and Taylor Malike from the village of Nswazwi.

Lesole said that although 9/11 happened in the US, they, as part of the global village, felt that they had to show their solidarity with the American people. He further said that Ency is derived from NC, which means 'new challenges'.

The trio, who have all studied art at school started working on the concept back in 2001 but did not rush to produce anything because they wanted to come up with good quality products. The catch phrase of the label is 'Brand of Royalty' and Lesole explained that the label is not necessarily for royals but for all the people who believe that they are natural-born leaders. According to the dreadlocked entrepreneur, to test the market, Ency has already produced 250 T-shirts that have already sold out.

'I am happy to say that so far we have not received any complaint from our clients and this is motivating enough,' he said.

The enterprising trio, who started the business from their pockets, do both embroidery and patchwork of their designs on 'top quality' ready-made t-shirts. They hope that soon they will be able to add caps, takkies and sweaters to their merchandise.Ency is working on producing lines for women and children as soon as they have gained confidence in the market.

The founders have also set up a page namely the Ency Family in the popular social networking website, Facebook which was launched a few weeks back and has already attracted over 200 members.

'The Ency Family is about people with a common fascination in urban street clothing 'Ency-Brand of Royalty'. Members are identified by the Ency T-shirts that they wear. Friday is Ency Day therefore Ency T-shirts are won on that day to show loyalty to the family,' Lesole said. At the moment Ency's graphic designers are constructing a website which they believe will be ready soon.

He further said that the trio have been inspired by another local label, Mafia Soul. It is clear that Ency is influenced by the urban culture as they intend to promotes things like basketball, board-skating, hip hop and graffiti. Lesole is adamant that the clothing label is going to be a success story since the founders are talented and dedicated to the project.