IMBO Magazine Nov. 2014 | Page 126

The name itself was inspired by the 1980s punk and ivy styles. Punk is bold, audacious and edgy, while Ivy is a more debonair style, illustrating the eclectic nature of the brand. Besides the Gods of Fashion, Punk & Ivy have the youth of Bangkok to thank for the inspiration behind their brand. The pair was struck by the mobility of the city before being stung by the entrepreneurial bug. Thus Africa’s first mobile boutique (‘motique’) was born. The groundbreaking digital marketing specialist, Bianca Miles, along with designer/GQ Best Dressed Man of 2012, Khaya Bhubesii Sibiya, decided to use a Dodge Motorhome for increased accessibility. Now fashion enthusiasts who covet these stunning garments are not confined to geographical location or trading hours. IMBO/ ISSUE 31/ '14 Without a doubt ‘Collaborative boutique’ has become the new buzz phrase in fashion. And the design duo behind Punk & Ivy is a remarkable example of what innovation and teamwork can accomplish. The ‘Proudly African’ theme is a motif for the way business is practiced in and around the entire concept of Punk & Ivy. In the words of the founders, “Being proudly African is a consciousness that we believe every creative on the continent should embrace.” Looking at the brand’s mission and positioning one would never imagine them having much difficulty finding keen investors who want to support their revolutionary ideas and chic threads. 126