Flair Supply is the top local street style brand to watch right now
Flair Supply, an everyday wear clothing brand founded by Lungstar Mkhwanazi in the coastal town of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, offers timeless pieces that blend current styles and silhouettes. Drawing inspiration from Japan, vintage corporate branding, and sportswear, Flair Supply maintains a fresh and unique approach to fashion. Their unisex collection is designed with a universal appeal—Made on Earth, for Humans.
GQ sat down with founder Lungstar Mkhwanazi to explore the inspiration behind the clothing brand.
GQ: What inspired you to start your own fashion brand?
Lungstar Mkhwanazi: We've always been passionate about style and fashion, but we often found it challenging to access the latest trends as they emerged. The industry struggled to keep up with the fast-paced overseas fashion timeline and what the internet, especially Tumblr, was showcasing. That's why we created the Flair Supply Store.
GQ: How did you come up with your brand name Flair Supply?
LM: My old friend came up with the name Flair when there were three of us. We wanted a name that reflected our style—effortless, with a natural flair. By 2020, the trio had split, leaving me to carry on. It was time to rebrand.
Flair evolved into FLAIR SUPPLY STORE, a name that represents my vision for the clothing business—supplying flair to South African street culture. I wanted it to feel more like a service provider than just another clothing brand. Our slogan, 'MADE ON EARTH FOR HUMANS,' embodies the service we offer.
GQ: How would you describe the aesthetic and philosophy of your brand?
LM: Our philosophy is timeless: simplicity and affordability without compromising our core values of community relatability. As a lifestyle brand, we create everyday garments that speak for themselves. We want people to see our pieces and interpret them in their own way. That's why we don't over-explain; we just give each garment a name. If the quality is there, people will want it, story or no story.
GQ: Who or what are your biggest influences in fashion, both past and present?
LM: Japanese brands, classic American films, music, corporate branding, and sportswear—all of these sources of inspiration fuel my creativity. While I won’t name specifics, it's the way people layer and wear clothing on the streets that truly inspires me.
GQ: What sets your brand apart from others in the industry?
LM: Our focus is on the colours and cuts we use. All our garments are made in-house, and we avoid heavy graphic designs because there's a significant market that prefers minimalism. Additionally, our prices are quite reasonable, and we keep our inventory low with very limited runs. If you snag it, you snag it; if not, you'll find something new next time.
GQ: How do you balance the creative and business aspects of running a fashion brand?
LM: Passion, commitment, and discipline are your guiding mentors in this game
GQ: What has been your proudest moment since starting your brand?
LM: It was designing a t-shirt. People loved it & most importantly they bought it. That was everything to me. For someone to choose not to go to the mall or wherever and rather choose to buy my tee that was everything.
GQ: How do you select the materials and fabrics for your collections?
LM: We’re passionate about functional materials, which is why you’ll frequently find us using durable fabrics and breathable materials. Our goal is to select fabrics that either protect the wearer from the elements or help them stay cool in the heat. Finding the perfect materials for our new collection or concept can take 2-3 months of careful selection and refinement.
GQ: What role does collaboration play in your design process?
LM: Collaborations drive growth for everyone involved. I work closely with my girlfriend, and the models I partner with are like family and friends. I collaborate with those who are passionate about and share my vision, which then becomes our collective vision.
Whether it’s the models, a media editor, or working on a garment with my girlfriend, these collaborations place us in a better position to deliver products that customers will love and share.
Even those who engage with and share our content without purchasing our garments are part of our extended network. We appreciate and respect all our collaborators, recognising their invaluable support.
GQ: What legacy do you hope to leave in the fashion world?
LM: To become the most innovative and globally recognised retail brand to ever emerge from South Africa, with stores spanning the globe.