Thabo's Heritage

Designer and Businesswomen, THABO MAKHETHA-KWINANA, has had the desire to break into the fashion world since her school days. Today, her dream is reality. 

By: Lauren Goldman

"I want to leave a legacy. I want people to say that in Africa there’s brand   that’s living on even when I’m gone".

 

Despite being in her mid-20s, Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana’s clothing label, Thabo Makhetha, has been featured in most prominent South African magazines and newspapers, including  Elle ,  Marie Claire and the  Cape Argus. And former  Elle  editor Jackie Burger, Idols  judge Unathi Msengana and radio host Pabi Moloi have worn her clothes. But her success didn’t come from luck: Thabo has wanted  to break into the fashion world since her school days and has been working hard to see her dream come true. Thabo was born in Lesotho but attended Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, where she attained her national diploma in fashion design. Her big break came at her graduation fashion show. Thabo was one of four winners who were published in the local paper. That was all she needed. “I had people asking if I could design and make clothes for them. I formalised it in  November 2009,” she says.

 

PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN

Thabo makes use of a unique feature: the wool and acrylic blankets found in the Basotho culture. “The acrylic blankets are called Khotso. The wool version has various types – the most popular being Seana Marena, Motlatsi and Victoria 
England,” Thabo explains. The traditional material shows that Africa can be part of the fashion world too. The brand is for women who want to show that  they love their country. It says: I’m proud to wear my heritage. “When people living in South Africa (as well as other African countries) want to show they’ve arrived, they wear an international brand,” Thabo says. “There’s a feeling that local brands aren’t the same, that we’re not good enough.” But her brand is out to change this perception. “We want to show that we have high standards, that we’re proud of being who we are,” she explains.

Thabo also aims to take the brand abroad soon and has already spotted that different versions of the jackets she makes are
fashionable in different areas. “In Joburg, capes are popular, where they serve more like an accessory. But at the Design Indaba in Cape Town, visitors from the UK and US preferred   the long-sleeved coat,” she says.

 

THABO IN 5...

 

1. Who are your fashion icons? Alexander McQueen and Basil Soda.

2. Who do you aspire to be like? Sir Richard Branson – he’s always fun – and Tyra Banks. She’s created such  a strong brand: she’s a businesswoman, not simply a model.

3. What would you never leave home without? My Samsung; everything is on there. If the world came to an end, I’d have to pick my phone.

4. If you weren’t a fashion designer, what else would you be? A professional dancer or rapper.
5. Who would you like to dress? Basetsana Kumalo and Tyra Banks.

 

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

Thabo’s tips for success in the business of  fashion design:
1.  You need to have passion, patience and perseverance.
2.  Keep practising. Invest in your work. Make clothing for your family and friends – most of the time it’s word of
mouth that gets you  out there.
3.  Don’t be afraid to be adventurous. Don’t  be limited by your clothing design.
4.  Have a vision. If you know what you want  to do, stick to your  craft and don’t be discouraged.
5.  Be business-minded. Get a mentor; as much as it’s about creativity, it’s still a business.

 

Words: LAUREN GOLDMAN (@indibttrfly). Follow Thabo Makhetha @TMakCC, Email design@makhetha.co.za