Young fashion designer hold onto big dreams

Lebogang has always been a big lover of fashion and is “fashion conscious”, as she would say.

“Since a very young age, I’ve loved fashion. As more trends hit the market, I got more interested into fashion. I also got my inspiration from my mother who always used to overdress me,” says Motingoe.

Besides from being a fashion designer, Lebogang is also an artist and singer.

While pursuing her dream as a fashion designer, Lebogang is studying for a law degree at the University of the Free State, but will transfer to Unisa in the second semester.

Lebogang went to Sunward Park High School where she became friends with Latoya Khambule, who is now also her Eleventh Emporium business partner.

“She has the same vision as me, and is as hungry for it as I am,” says Motingoe.

Latoya is in charge of the marketing, advertising and photography of the fashion label.

To get her fashion label up-and-running, Motingoe got a loan from her mother.

“She saw the potential in the dream that I had and invested in me.”

Motingoe is hoping to build a fashion empire of her own, shining along side labels such as Versace and Coco Chanel.

“I’ve always felt there’s something missing in the fashion industry and I think that I can fill the gaps of what’s missing.”

Once Eleventh Emporium has successfully expanded, Motingoe would also like to help the fashion industry by creating jobs.

She says that acquiring a mentor is what she’s pursuing and her short-term goal is to work with local artists by dressing them.

According to Motingoe, her label is suitable for both sexes between the ages of 13 and 35. She describes her label as sophisticated, elegant, recent, relevant, fresh and out-of-the-box.

Motingoe says that she gets inspiration for new ideas everyday and everywhere. She also consults other designers and people who love fashion.

The label is not yet to be found in clothing stores and is only available in Gauteng. She is hoping that as the label gains popularity it will distributed countrywide.

“My long-term goal is for my fashion label to go corporate and to see it being advertised on billboards. Maybe people overseas will recognise me and want to work with me.”

Motingoe is currently working on the spring/summer collection, which will be available from June.

The winter collection is already available.

For more information or placing an order, contact Motingoe on 072 047 7388 or ladylebzmot@gmail.com.

Lebogang can also be followed on Twitter: @LadyLebz.

– @IschkeBoksburg