An empty universe is a lonely place — even for a god.
In a continuation of his explorations of the origins of Bumba, the vomiting creation god of Congo’s Bushongo mythology, Rich Mnisi takes us on a journey of self-discovery in SS22. This collection, Mafamba Yexe, finds its inspiration in a microscopic view of Bumba’s purge, made up of cells that, like so many others, split apart to multiply. Pain on the outside, pain on the inside, discomfort everywhere.
From that discomfort, cells made echoes of their own likeness, and Bumba birthed the world. In every world, microscopic and universal, discomfort was the channel from loneliness to community. From strangeness to connection, to reflection, and eventually, to self-discovery.
We return to vivid green, a grounding brand colour, meeting a fiery palette of yellows and reds across signature silhouettes. Abstract prints inspired by bacteria under a microscope creep across the body. Smooth and printed leathers lend lively tactility, while feathers offer a softer touch.
Credits:
Starring
Aza Mhlana
Christi-Ann Saaiman
Kurt Anders
Jono Lee
Nicolas van Graan
Abulele Ngcangata
Antonia Julies
Jade Daniels
Focus Puller
Ashley Smit
Make-up & Hair
Justine Alexander
Producer
Bradley Ndlovu
Production Designer
Mike Hillier & Rich Mnisi
Edit
Ross Hillier
Location Scout
Mike Hillier
Music
Que DJ - Mnisi Chant
