Albutler & The Rozebowl Collection: A Streetwear Revolution Rooted in Zimbabwe

 

Albutler & The Rozebowl Collection: A Streetwear Revolution Rooted in Zimbabwe

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, some designers don’t just create clothes—they tell stories. Albutler, co-founder of The Rozebowl Collection, is one such visionary. His journey isn’t just about stitching fabric together; it’s about weaving identity, culture, and sustainability into every piece.

"Rozebowl is just a bowl of roses," Albutler explains. "I always make sure that every design I create stands as a ROZE." But there's a deeper message behind the name. In his eyes, flowers—recognition, success, and respect—aren't just given; they must be earned. The 'Z' in ROZE is a nod to Zimbabwe, a reminder that this movement is homegrown and proudly African.

What began as a small hustle, selling customized jeans, has now grown into a full-fledged brand. Inspired by icons like the late Virgil Abloh and Ev Bravado of Who Decides War, Rozebowl embraces the essence of streetwear with a vintage touch, all while championing sustainability.

Before stepping into fashion design, Albutler immersed himself in the world of thrifting. Seeing Luka Sabbat effortlessly pull off vintage looks and A$AP Rocky redefine streetwear, he found his style first—then set out to bring others into his world.

"There’s nothing new under the sun," he reflects. "We take inspiration from different people, but it’s how we use those elements to build our own identity that matters." He recalls a powerful lesson from Yohji Yamamoto: "You should copy and copy and copy. In that process, you will then find yourself."

Denim isn’t just fabric to Albutler—it’s a playground. The versatility of denim allows for endless creativity, but he’s also aware of its environmental impact.

"Denim is never eco-friendly," he admits. "So we just had to make sure we do right by our environment. We minimize waste by recycling and upcycling thrifted denim from Mbare."

For him, fashion isn’t just about looking good—it’s about making conscious choices that positively impact the world.

Every runway show, every collection, every project has come with new lessons. One of his toughest moments was showcasing at a cricket event in 2023, where he felt firsthand the lack of appreciation for Zimbabwean streetwear brands. But instead of backing down, he doubled down on his purpose.

"Trust me, we’re coming in as game-changers—like the late Virgil Abloh and Kanye West."

Balancing the business side of fashion hasn’t been easy either, especially financially. But Albutler believes in a simple truth:

"Things always go your way if you put God in everything."

He also emphasizes the importance of staying in the right spaces: "Creativity is a gift. If your mind starts to drift, you risk losing it. That’s why I keep myself surrounded by fashion—whether I’m selling thrifted clothes or styling artists in music videos, I’m always working in fashion."

The Zimbabwean fashion scene is evolving, but for it to truly thrive, Albutler believes in community over competition. He praises the Skeyi and Strobo team for initiatives like Fabrik Party, which brings creatives together.

"We need more fashion events and workshops," he says. "People need access to experts—not just assumptions."

There’s no slowing down for The Rozebowl Collection. An exciting brand exchange project is in the works with Nobunaga of House Sex Sounds, one of Bulawayo’s finest. And before the year ends, they’ll be dropping a much-anticipated project titled ‘Mad At The World.’

"Just wait on them projects," Albutler teases.

In a world where fashion trends come and go, Rozebowl is proving that style with meaning, authenticity, and resilience is here to stay.

"Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak." — Rachel Zoe

And through The Rozebowl Collection, Albutler is speaking volumes.