Michee Sawuna is a Congolese-American creative, born and raised in Charlotte, NC. He graduated from NC A&T State University in December 2019. Since high school, Michee always had a major interest in fashion. Getting influenced by people such as ASAP Rocky and Kanye West, and brands such as HBA and Telfar allowed him to find his own way. Working at retail spaces such as Social Status, A Ma Maniere, and Neiman Marcus allowed Michee to create a clothing brand that he started in mid-2019 called Zolaé Clothing.
Zolaé represents the soul and the roots of where Michee is from and aims to authentically touch souls. Zolaé is a company that hopes to build morale and self-value through the sale of its clothing and accessories. Zolaé is a brand that champions innovation and the freedom of expression in every product they create. The purpose of Zolaé is to connect people through fashion by offering a positive outlook on life for creatives and visionaries who aren’t afraid to be different.
The market to which Zolaé caters is Gen Z and Millennials. Feeling cool, stylish, and confident is what the lifestyle Zolaé brings to people who wear it. Originally, the apparel was sourced from Jiffy Shirts. The manufacturer where the DTG printing and the embroidery took place was in Greensboro, NC. With future advancements in marketing and production, outsourcing in Asia allowed more creative vision with cut and sew and high-quality fabrics. Each Zolaé piece goes through a rigorous design process, with Michee himself overseeing every detail down to the stitching. He sources only the finest fabrics, pays homage to his African roots in vibrant colors and patterns, and ensures that each garment is expertly tailored for the perfect fit.
The collaboration between Michee and Jaylan came about through social media networking. Jaylan, an entrepreneur and fashion enthusiast, expressed his belief in Sawuna’s potential to become an industry leader in fashion, stating, “It’s not on you, it’s in you. You have to want it, whether wearing it or designing it.”
After the showcase, Jaylan praised the quality of Zolaé, highlighting the unique feel and touch of the pieces, expressing, “You instantly know this took time and effort, and that it looks great! You want to wear it from the moment you see it.”
Michee’s dedication to craftsmanship is evident in each handcrafted piece tailored for his clients, including those showcased by Jaylan, and renowned artists such as Lil Yachty, Teyana Taylor, and Trinidad James. The pieces, featuring black leather pants paired with luxe layers, were showcased and are now available to purchase.
This winning combination of style, quality, and cultural authenticity has propelled Zolaé into the spotlight. As the brand continues to build momentum, all eyes are on what Michee will dream up next. If the past is any precedent, the future looks bright for this ascendant young label. Zolaé seems poised to become a major force reshaping the fashion landscape with its bold artistic energy. Michee states, “The whole point of collaboration is that you give and take from each other, and that’s how you create things that are totally new.”
This is just the beginning for Zolaé! Visit zolaeclo.com to learn more and shop!
Published By: Aize Perez
