Ethnik Republik: Where Identity Wears Bold

"Ethnik is my way of saying:This is who I am —fully and unapologetically." — Lerato Roy Montsi

“A_Culture_Reimagined – Pride In Every Thread – Rooted In Kindness.”

We chatted with designer and founder Lerato Roy Montsi to talk about what it means to be bold, Afrocentric, and unapologetically yourself in a fashion world that still struggles to embrace real representation. This is the story behind Ethnik Republik Ltd. — a gender-inclusive brand stitching culture, queerness, and streetwear into something the world’s never seen before.

1. What inspired the creation of Ethnik Republik?

Ethnik Republik started from a deeply personal space — my own frustration. As a queer, masculine-presenting woman with a full-figured body, I couldn’t find clothes that felt like me. They were either too feminine, too ill-fitting, or just disconnected from who I was.

I grew up around fabric and machines — my mom was a Needlework & Clothing teacher. I started making my own clothes just to feel comfortable. When others began noticing and asking where I got my pieces, I realised I wasn’t alone.

That’s when Ethnik Republik became more than clothing — it became a home for people who’ve felt unseen in fashion. A place for culture, pride, and self-expression.

2. How do you translate cultural identity into fashion?

Very intentionally. My designs tell stories. I use Shweshwe not just as a fabric, but as a memory — of ceremonies, strength, home.

It’s about taking traditional aesthetics and pushing them forward — merging bold African textures with clean silhouettes and urban edge.

Being African is not a trend. It’s who I am. So my pieces are unapologetic, vibrant, and inclusive — because that’s the spirit of Africa to me.

3. What does “Ethnik” mean to you beyond the brand name?

It’s personal. It’s identity, pride, and reclamation. I grew up having to tone down parts of myself — my queerness, my size, my African-ness.

Ethnik is my way of saying: “This is who I am — fully and unapologetically.”It’s a love letter to my roots and to everyone who’s ever felt they didn’t fit the mould but carried their culture with pride.

4. What have been some of your biggest challenges and wins?

Pushing a gender-inclusive, Afrocentric brand in a fashion world that still leans binary and Western has been tough.

But the biggest win? Watching someone wear Ethnik and stand taller — especially queer, masculine-identifying or gender-nonconforming individuals. That look of pride and affirmation? It makes it all worth it.

5. What does rewriting the African narrative in fashion look like to you?

It means dropping the tokenism and showing Africa in all its richness. Not just colourful fabrics — but tailored, luxurious, rebellious, deeply-rooted design.

It means telling our stories, our way — with Shweshwe suits, genderless fits, and confidence as the blueprint.

6. Who do you design for?

The bold. The in-between. The ones who walk into a room and own it.

Ethnik is for the queer, the misfits, the culture-bearers. For anyone rewriting the rules while honouring where they come from.

7. How do you stay creatively inspired?

By staying connected — to nature, my community, and my “Why.”

Hiking helps me reset. And even when business gets noisy, seeing someone light up in Ethnik gear reminds me this is bigger than me.

8. How does Ethnik fit into the global African fashion conversation?

We’re not just adding more clothes to the scene. We’re bringing real stories.

Ethnik is Afrocentric. Queer. Fearless. We’re challenging narrow definitions of African fashion and building a global stage for complexity, pride, and power.

9. What do you hope someone feels wearing Ethnik?

Seen. Powerful. Comfortable.

Ethnik is about culture, confidence, and freedom — clothing that lets you be all of who you are, without compromise.

10. What’s next for the brand?

We’re expanding locally and globally, collaborating with emerging artists and queer creatives, and pushing our sustainability efforts with natural and upcycled materials.

Ethnik is evolving — always with culture, community, and fearless self-expression at the center.

Ethnik Republik isn’t following the rules. It’s rewriting them. For those who’ve never quite fit into fashion’s boxes, this brand offers not just clothing — but visibility, pride, and power stitched into every piece.

Stay loud. Stay rooted. Stay you.

www.ethnikrepublik.co.za