“This one is dedicated to every individual who has supported us, relates with us, engaged with us and more importantly; it’s for those who believe in the power community.” – BROKE
With tickets selling out in under five minutes for the Broke Runway Showcase, it was almost certain that last Saturday, 30 July, would be a whirlwind. Powered by Lemkus and hosted on the 3rd Floor of their Exchange Building (the venue for Cape Town’s summer community staple, The Stockroom Show) – when Ace and the homies said fashion show, they meant it. Arriving on site was itself a heightened experience – the setup, laid out white chairs snaking around the space, giving way to an intimate runway akin to what we might see of exclusive shows in Paris held in historic buildings – were filling up with the city’s creative community, dressed head to toe in the finest looks we’ve seen all gathered in one space in Cape Town. Moments like that, make one realise how hungry the city is for events and spaces that unite all of us under the banner of sartorial expression and community; a rare occasion, indeed, outside of the nightlife scene. The room gave way to seating that felt welcoming, and with anticipation, the room filled up – with conversation and excitement brewing stronger with every second.
A slight delay in the schedule meant only that everyone could ready themselves – friends of Broke arrived, greetings and hugs occurred – with welcome drinks in hand, served by Brooks Hard Seltzer. Then, our attention was called; the show was about to begin.
Beaming into the room over the speakers, we hear the voices of the Broke Boys – one by one, recounting what Broke means to them. Gratitude for the family behind this collective (of which their apparel brand forms one aspect, albeit a central one) – saying how Broke is family, it is community, it’s getting out of the hood and towards your dreams alongside your brothers. The feeling of love was rising; and then, then the first model walked out, making their way around the room. The initial offerings of T-Shirts is a Broke staple – and a strong reminder of their streetwear roots, as profound to be on a runway simply for what the Tee means to access our favourite brands like Palace or Stüssy. Then, the outerwear – a power moment of note – and something we haven’t seen before from creative director, Andile Dlamini. Inspired by workwear and athletic apparel, jackets with phrases like “BROKE SPORTING GOODS” and “BROKE EQUIPMENT – SINCE 2016” added a new reservoir of signatures to the brand’s future, and indicates a full entry for Broke into streetwear design.
The exchange of energy between the crowd and the looks we were receiving was incredible – from the quiet, observant moments to the shouts of joy – that by the time Andile did his designer’s walkthrough and bow, everyone was going wild. The collection was immediately shown on the 2nd Floor, ready to be purchased.
Once again, Lemkus’ support for local streetwear, forged through community and collaboration, makes the possibilities of the Exchange Building unimaginable and exciting – and as for Broke? Given everything they’ve done so far, and for it still to feel like just the beginning of their worldwide domination, is poignant.
Broke’s latest collection is available to shop online at lemkus.com / every Saturday from 10am to 2pm at The Stockroom Show.
Written by: Holly Bell Beaton
/// Studio images by Lemkus’ Creative Head, Calhoun Matthews
/// Show images by Gidion Felix
