Fashion: Anelisa Mangcu – Interview

Hello Brokebillionaire readers, as the Fashion contributor I have always blogged, written and shared things that I like about fashion and you guys have received them well. Now I have decided to interview some well known fashion Designers,bloggers,Models, editors and Brands. This week we start with Fashion Blogger and co-founder of Tailored the blog Anelisa Mangcu. Anelisa Mangcu is only 19 years old but has achieved a lot for her age, she is a photographer who has show cased her art in gallery’s. Her sense of style has attracted publications such as glamour magazine who followed her style for 2 weeks. Now I caught up with her to speak her about her style, working with Siyabonga Ngwekazi and what she thinks of South African Fashion.

Siyabonga Beyile :Hello Anelisa thank you for doing this interview, so tell us what sparked your passion for fashion?

Anelisa Mangcu: Hey. Thank you for having me. Growing up. What sparked my passion had to be figuring out all these years what worked for my body, what complimented my personality, what worked for my skin tone and what I liked. That journey got me into investing a lot of time around clothing and the industry that the idea of being a part of it was inevitable.

Siya: You and Siyabonga Ngwekazi Co-Founded Tailored the blog together, what inspired the partnership?

Anelisa: We have known each other for years and decided that it would be cool to do something together. We both love fashion and specifically menswear and that’s how Perfectly Tailored was born.

Siya: As a young South African Fashion Blogger what are the challenges that you face?

Anelisa: To be honest, not much. I blog about what I want, when I want and people seem to like it. The only time things get a little crazy is before, during and after fashion week.

Siya: We are aware that your blog turned 8 Months recently, are you perhaps going to grow your blog into a brand?

Anelisa: Yes it did. Our blog is more of a look and feel. We wanted to see if the market would like our concept and 8 months later I think its safe to say they do. Siya and myself are going to be taking things a step further in July, and are looking forward to sharing it with everyone. The success of the blog happened so fast and it has been the most amazing experience. However, we have a plan and taking it slowly is a part of that plan

Siya: Will we see you launch a fashion line in the future?

Anelisa: Yes in the FUTURE (emphasis on the future *chuckles *).

Siya: What do you think of South African Fashion right now?

Anelisa: I am no expert when it comes to this question but I think that South African Fashion is in its experimental phase. We are learning, making mistakes, coming up with innovative executions, finding alternative greener ways to the production process, creating jobs by teaching and employing local people to create garments and uniting our country with the world through fashion. Fashion is no longer just something visually aesthetic but it too has become a business. I think we are on the right path

Siya: Who is your style icon and why?

Anelisa: I have an obsession with Solange Knowles. She seems to love everything I love, which are bold colours, braids, turbans and mixing prints. She can go from being extremely feminine to being extremely casual and edgy.

Siya: Who is your favourite fashion Designer?

Anelisa: Tom Ford

Siya: Besides being a Fashion Blogger what else do you do?

Anelisa: First and foremost I am a Fine Art Photographer & Artist. Fashion comes after my first love that is art. I am currently a student at Vega. I am a daughter, a friend, and a Gemini and I take those roles very seriously * smiles *

Siya: Final Question, what advice do you have for aspiring Fashion Bloggers?

Anelisa: Keep it conceptual

Thank you to Anelisa Mangcu for an awesome interview!!

You can follow Anelisa on twitter: @AnelisaMangcu and you can visit her blog www.tailoredtheblog.tumblr.com of Follow @TailoredTheBlog

This interview was conducted by Siyabonga Beyile

Pictures by Ross Adami