Our style crush, Siya “The Threaded Man” Beyile, is a stylist and creative director known for his classic style. He was featured on Forbes Africa’s #30under30 young people to watch list. He’s been styling Nomuzi Mabena from MTV Base for almost a year including for her recent music video, “Don’t Panic“. The 22-year-old, with over 10 000 Instagram followers, talks to us about his influences, 2016 trends and consulting for SA Menswear Week.

Live SA: How would you describe your style?

Siya: Modern, traditional, classic.

Live SA: How would you explain The Threaded Man to someone?

Siya: I help brands communicate their message with modern African men through creative directing, styling ads, forecasting trends, creating content on my website and consulting.  I’ve been a brand ambassador for Flying Fish for the last two years. Last year, I signed with TITAN watches as a consultant and brand ambassador. I also worked on the Carling Blue Label television commercial.

Live SA: What trends should men look out for in 2016?

Siya: White sneakers and smart brogues are must-haves. Chinos are out of season, while luxe formal pants are the way to go. 70s are in, as you’ve seen at the end of last year; bootleg jeans are making a comeback. Everything is moving away from being sartorial and becoming loose and very chilled.

Live SA: What do you think of the South African fashion scene?

Siya: Fashion in this country is booming. I’m seeing a lot of young designers coming through but not enough collaboration. The industry is still run by old people who aren’t innovative because they think they know better. Your David Tlales and Thula Sindis are not connecting to the youth. I also feel like agencies and brands are still trying to take advantage of influencers, by paying us in clothes (instead of real money). They don’t take us seriously.

Live SA: What exactly is an influencer?

Siya: There are lots of socialites calling themselves influencers because they have lots of followers but numbers don’t mean anything. An influencer is someone who’s respected for their opinion. I’m known for my fashion not because I’m popular, but because I actually studied fashion, I know what I’m talking about and it shows in my work.

Live SA: What are you most excited to see from SA Menswear Week?

Siya: I consult for SA Menswear Week. The Threaded Man has been with SAMW as a media partner since its inception, two years ago. I think it’s brilliant because it promotes young designers and puts them on the fashion forefront, unlike other fashion weeks where young designers only get one slot. At SA Menswear Week, young designers are showcasing throughout the week among big designers.

Photography by Siya Mkhasibe

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