Khayelitsha steps into the fashion stakes

Plan to unveil ‘something different’

KHAYELITSHA is not usually considered a high fashion hub, but fashionistas from the area are determined to change that perception with the first Khayelitsha Fashion Week.

Designed to expose, uplift and develop the designers involved, the event at The Lookout is a first for the township, but the organisers are determined it won’t be the last.

Organiser Bongani Matenjwa said many fashion shows were held in Khayelitsha, but the designers involved paid their money and got only a little exposure in return.

“I decided to do a two-day event with which I could uplift and expose the designers in a more positive way, but also help them prepare for bigger platforms such as Cape Town Fashion Week and SA Fashion Week,” he said.

He believed involvement in Khayelitsha Fashion Week would build confidence and experience in the designers.

Matenjwa is a radio personality from Radio Zibonele, but said he’s also an activist in the community who would like to offer his services “to bring success to people”.

At age 23, he’s got no plans of stopping there in spite of receiving no funding for the weekend event, which starts today.

“I have however received assistance from the ward councillors who I deal with on my radio show. I shared my idea with them and they were very supportive,” he said.

The event will see seven designers showcase their work: Modice Creations, Streetswag, Zindim ek/ litsha, Iyenzeka Lewayi, Impolo Mchana, Mpho Creatives and TTA Designs.

“People should expect something different from the show. They will enter the venue and forget they are still in Khayelitsha,” he promised.

Mpho Shadrack Mathebula of Mpho Creatives had a rough start in Limpopo, spending many years on the streets.

But he refused to let any of that get in the way of his dreams and will be showing his work this weekend.

Ironically, it was his arrest in Johannesburg in 1999 that set him on his fashion design path.

While serving a five-year sentence for housebreaking he enrolled in a course to study fashion design, visual arts, beadwork and glass making.

He moved to Cape Town in 2005, and although still home- less, enrolled in professional development programmes at the Arts and Media Access Centre (Amac).

Mathebula said he would be showcasing traditional garments for everyone from adults to toddlers, but would also give people the opportunity to view his beadwork, handbags and shoes at the event.

“I design for special occasions and normal occasions. All the things I’ll be showcas- ing belong to people already,” he said.

Clients usually order outfits from him for special occasions, he said, adding that his shoes and artwork would be available for sale.

His inspiration for the collection, he said, was his constant feeling he wasn’t doing enough.

“I always feel like I’m not doing enough. But now I’m going to show off my talent, which I’ve always wanted to show to the community.”

Aside from his artwork, Mathebula also teaches people how to sew using his own materials and free of charge. That, he said, was part of his vision of spreading skills, especially to the youth.

Another of the designers, Pretoria-born Lebogang Morgan said her garments were made “to love you”.

“Quality is the secret. My skirts are made to love you. It doesn’t matter what shape you are,” said Morgan.

The collection she’ll be showcasing this weekend is called Skirtaholic, a nod to the fact that she specialises in skirts.

The TUT fashion design graduate worked in retail after she graduated where she sat in meetings, gaining insight into how businesses work.

sinolwazi.april@inl.co.za

Mpho Shadrack Mathebula takes the traditional route with his designs.