Mimangaliso Ndiko

SIXX6 designs clothing that moves, shifts, and transforms with you. Built with adjustability and versatility at its core, the brand empowers wearers to manipulate silhouettes, reshape styles, and make each piece uniquely their own. “Fashion should adapt to you—not the other way around,” says Founder and CEO Mimangaliso Ndiko.

Mizizi: When did you realize you have what it takes to start your own brand?

MINGA: I realized it when I began designing with a purpose to merge South African heritage with contemporary storytelling. The recognition I received, from competitions to collaborations solidified my confidence that Sixx6 could become a brand that represents empowerment, creativity and cultural innovation.

Mizizi: How would you describe your fashion sense?

MINGA: My fashion sense is unapologetically intellectual and daring. It’s rooted in bold self-expression and cultural storytelling, where every design reflects higher consciousness. I approach fashion as wearable art, using meticulous craftsmanship and boundary-pushing silhouettes to challenge norms and celebrate individuality.

Mizizi. What are your favourite colours?

MINGA: I’m drawn to earthy tones like terracotta and olive green for their grounding qualities, balanced with dynamic shades like cobalt blue and burnt orange for energy and creativity. For Neurodivergence, I focused on blacks, yellows, and reds, colours that represent the complex neural pathways and vivid energy captured in a neurodivergent brain scan.

Mizizi: Who’s your role model?

MINGA: My role model is Clare Waight Keller, her ability to combine timeless elegance with bold, thought-provoking innovation inspires me. She demonstrates that fashion can be both intellectually driven and emotionally resonant, which aligns perfectly with my vision for Sixx6.

Mizizi: Is fashion your first love?

MINGA: I wanted to do anything related to exploring outer space in the science and engineering realm. I still have that passion today, and you can see it in my concepts. The idea of pushing boundaries and exploring the unknown resonates deeply with my approach to fashion, where innovation and fearless expression are key.

Mizizi: Can you buy style/can style be bought?

MINGA: No, style is deeply personal and cannot be bought. While garments can be purchased, style is about how you interpret and wear them to reflect your individuality. At Sixx6, we craft pieces that empower wearers to discover and embrace their unique style, making fashion a celebration of their authentic selves.

Mizizi: Lastly, what inspired your new collection?

MINGA: The collection, titled Neurodivergence, was inspired by the visual representation of a neurodivergent brain scan, with the colours black, yellow, and red reflecting this scan. These colours embody the distinct neurological patterns of neurodivergent individuals, with each shade symbolizing different elements of their unique cognitive experiences. The collection explores themes of individuality, strength, and creative expression, capturing the complexity and depth of the neurodivergent experience through dynamic prints and innovative design.