Welcome to Brand To Watch, a style column from COMPLEX UK where we spotlight the very best emerging brands from out of the UK and find out what makes them tick and what their vision of fashion and the future looks like.
Independence and innovation are two of the most sought-after qualities in streetwear and, in recent years, there has been a plethora of independent imprints that have been ushered to the forefront.
One such brand is the Manchester-based denim specialists, Skitzo Worldwide. Founded by Muli Simpasa in 2018, the up-and-coming brand aims to push the boundaries of streetwear with an ethos that goes above and beyond your average pair of jeans.
With a dark, grunge-like aesthetic, the Northern label has grown a cult-like following thanks to its clean visuals, regular audience engagement, and desire to create only the best in the game. Fused with patches, rips, rustic dyes and custom finishes, the brand’s DIY-like charm has been picked up by a host of A-list talent, including Chris Brown, Jorja Smith and Davido, as well as those seeking a sense of exclusivity. Rivaling the very definition of what it means to be bespoke, it is that exact community that Skitzo—as it is commonly shortened to—puts first.
Since its inception, the imprint has been no stranger to putting on events, collaborating with other brands, as well as programming community-focused workshops—all of which has helped in further positioning Skitzo as a brand to watch. We caught up with the mastermind behind Skizo Worldwide, Muli Simpasa, to delve into the brand’s inspirations, the obstacles it’s faced, the progress it’s seen, as well as aspirations for the future.
“I firmly believe that when you create from an organic and pure place, drawing from your soul and tapping into your mind, beautiful creations come to life.” —Muli Simpasa
COMPLEX: What was the inspiration behind setting up SKITZO Worldwide, and what sets this brand apart from other brands in the game right now?
Muli Simpasa: To be honest, the idea of Skitzo has been in my mind since I was born. It just took 23 years of my life to bring the idea to life, as I had to live through experiences and extract it from my mind. I’ve always aspired to create a universal fashion brand that thrives in all realms of creativity, fashion, art, and music. Skitzo was born from the functions of the mind, designed as an entity to push boundaries.
How have your past experiences and interests impacted your work in the creative industry?
Being self-taught, I’ve truly learned the hard way, from teaching myself how to sew, cut patterns, create technical drawings, understand fabrics, and many other aspects. When you embark on this path, you have to be prepared to encounter failures in various areas. But it’s important to remember that failure ultimately leads to success if you persevere. I’ve always had a deep interest in fashion and art since a young age; during school, I used to sell printed T-shirts featuring celebrity faces, and TISA snapbacks. There was a phase where I experimented with adding patches, pins, and tie-dye to T-shirts—a small glimpse of what was yet to come.
Who are some individuals that have inspired you in your personal or professional life?
My two biggest inspirations have to be my grandad, Professor Mapopa Mtonga, and Virgil Abloh. Firstly, my grandad taught me the fundamentals of creation, my culture, and life. His teachings will forever reside within me, emphasising how we live through our ancestors and the significance of carrying forward their mission. I will pass these teachings on to my children. I firmly believe that when you create from an organic and pure place, drawing from your soul and tapping into your mind, beautiful creations come to life. Everything that Virgil achieved continues to have a profound impact today and will transcend time. He shaped culture in different directions, opened doors for the youth and paved the way. Once again, his influence was pure and organic.
How would you describe your brand’s aesthetic?
Colourful. Crazy textures. Muddy. In your face.
Do you think being based in Manchester has influenced the overall style of Skitzo Worldwide?
Most definitely. Manchester will always have an influence on Skitzo. It’s a beautiful city with great energy that the world is yet to truly embrace. However, the overall style of Skitzo is inspired by the world.
How do you incorporate current trends and cultural influences into Skitzo’s designs, while still staying true to the brand’s identity?
I really strive to steer clear of trends, embracing the ethos of “if they go that way, we go the other way”. I want Skitzo to be renowned for its innovative ideas, strong and distinctive identity, and its refusal to conform to societal trends. Remaining true to our ethos, identity, culture and background is extremely important.
What is the most important message or idea that you want to communicate through your designs?
The biggest message would be pushing people to overcome their fear of expressing who they are and to tap into and become the best version of themselves. As we progress, I would like to expand beyond just designs, enabling me to communicate important messages through Skitzo.
What steps do you take to ensure that your brand’s products are high-quality and durable, and what role do materials play in this process?
Mainly through trial and error. As the brand’s evolved, I’ve come to understand how important it is to let my ideas breathe, as well as the value in other people’s opinions and, of course, quality. Materials are always a huge focus for us; we’ve always liked to use in-house fabrics to create our designs. When it comes to making our own textures or colourways, I’ve taken a lot of my inspiration from brands like Stone Island and Chrome Hearts. Craftsmanship is a dying art, and we still want to keep the torch alight.
What do you think is the key to building a successful and sustainable brand in the streetwear industry?
There is no key, really. Every brand that is made is a living entity and its own individual path—just like us. If I was going to say a key, it would be stay true to your own lane and what you believe in.
Does the idea of community play a role for Skitzo, and how do you engage with your customers and fans?
Community has always been integral to Skitzo. We’ve consistently remained connected to our community, with our feet firmly planted on the ground. Through various co-creation workshops, we haven’t only engaged with our customers but also showcased our identity. In our most recent workshop, we collaborated with the London Crafts Council, working alongside local kids in the area. This accomplishment was significant to us as we had the opportunity to contribute to the development of future pioneers, giving back in a meaningful way.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced since launching Skitzo Worldwide, and how have you overcome them?
Starting a brand is a tremendous challenge for anyone. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, stressful and demanding. From the outside, it may appear to be a fun job, but behind the scenes, it’s hectic and I believe all brand owners can relate. Suppliers can disrupt your entire concept, deliveries may fail to reach customers, websites can malfunction, and occasionally photoshoots can go wrong. The most effective approach that I’ve found to overcome these obstacles is by maintaining a calm demeanour, adapting and learning from the challenges.
What can we expect from Skitzo Worldwide for the rest of 2023, and beyond?
Expect a lot from us! We’re currently in a phase of expansion. We’re ever-evolving and working on bringing the next best brand the world has seen. This takes a lot of hard work in the background and a lot of time spent on small details, as they will help us in the future. Expect more denim collections and art, maybe even a collab with another Manchester-based brand.
