RareGang fashion label, A Cut Above The Rest

By Tawanda Ngena

This week we explore the fashion world and we focus on the label RareGang.

We sat down with one Blessing Muzaza, who the founder of the fashion label called 'RareGang', with which he aims to establish his own name and presence on the local fashion scene.

He takes us on a journey into what it takes to stand one's own in this fashion industry, what goes on behind the scenes and exactky what sets his own label apart from the rest.

Here is what he had to say:

When and how was RareGang established?

It Started in 2014 with a friend of mine called Nigel Mac-Rare June/July. It was called “Raretest” back then. I changed it to “RARE GANG”. In earlier this year 2016 because the name appealed to a broader market locally & internationally but the movement really kicked off beginning of 2014 in the studio where the brand was revived and revamped to this now.

Who is the brains behind RareGang?

Oh well I and my close friends are the real team behind but everyone that supports Rare Gang is a team member too cause without them Rare Gang is nothing. We don't have fans we call everyone team.

What inspired you to try your hand at fashion?

The decision of going into fashion came when I was sitting in the studio with a couple brothers of mine and friends. They just asked what if we had a brand of ours and we start printing shirts. We started on a small scale and people just started asking for more and we've been growing from that.

Do you do the designs yourself?

I have the concepts in head and I have a designer who digitalise everything for me

How can people access your designs, are they available in local shops yet?

People can access our material by ordering online or sending our social media page a message and will respond. We are working on opening a shop soon.

Who is your target market?

Our target market is people that want to dress proper quality clothing regardless of age. So whether it's a 80 year old or 10 year old baby we are about quality local clothing.

It is a tough industry out there, what are you yourself doing to make sure that your label stays afloat?

Well our goal is to sell fashion & not popularity. We don’t’ want to force it on to people by paying a celeb to wear it. So all we are doing to market our RARE GANG label is giving out quality brand that doesn't fade or tear out when washed. That's all we doing to make it known and those that have bought it are telling friends to tell other friends to support local brands too.

Would you be able to honestly say that your prices are fair and the ordinary man and woman on the street can also afford to own RareGang apparel?

Our prices are fair and reasonable and the tag is according to design and the material used, our Italian cotton shirts can't be the same as normal shirts so that automatically accommodates for those that want the less expensive and those that want expensive clothing.

What is it that makes RareGang distinct and gives it that edge over everyone else?

You know our label is focusing on apparel and designs that make people really notice the real difference of what they are wearing and largely that focuses on music too unlike other local brands they design because they need to pay bills and we design to try and take Zimbabwe street fashion to a more competitive level in terms of design, because most local brands spend more time and money on marketing than on their own products.

What are your goals?

The ultimate goal with this fashion venture is to be the best local brand and expand international too. Right now we are actually working on having our own leggings, pants, hand bags, leather jackets, sweaters and nail polish in the next few months and I am sure that by October next year a few will be on the market already.