Local designer showcases in Paris
House of Decorum recently presented their bespoke, clean, elegant lines to Paris Fashion Week and it was everything this local fashion house thought it would be.
Late nights, early mornings, stress, delight and absolute tears of joy in finally seeing the production of a range that is of international standard, is what went into House of Decorum’s presentation at Paris Fashion Week.
This presentation was a cornerstone moment for this fashion house which crafts bespoke suits for both him and her. Its founders are a seamless couple – Mphahlela and Rethabile Mokgatle – known as Mr and Mrs Decorum. The pair’s attraction to the industry was less to do with fashion but rather the art and the power of storytelling that is sewn into the garments. They house bespoke apparel that aims to bring back timeless professional suits, shirts and trousers. “We create clothes that are effortlessly stylish, yet, sophisticated. The Italians have a great word for this type of style called sprezzatura, which encapsulates the style that we create,” said Mr Decorum.
“The reason for this type of style is that we realised a gap in the market with regards to how gentlemen were dressed, hence the name ‘Decorum’, which relates to a certain behaviour. It would be out of place to behave in an unruly manner in a bespoke suit. The ladies would have suits that would not be fitted for them which spoke to the need to have clothing that is made to measure for the ladies as well,” continued Mr Decorum.
They aim to have individuals feel they are part of creating the art that they have on. From including them in the fabric selection process to the intricate details like buttons. Decorum stylists want individuals, people to ultimately feel they can walk into any boardroom or presentation with confidence that they are in a well-tailored garment made specifically for their body.
To have a presentation at Paris Fashion Week was no easy feat. The pair had just welcomed their daughter, Warona, and to prepare for such a huge global showcase with a newborn was, to them, insane to say the least. “How we pulled it off we still do not know but the feeling is so surreal,” said Mr Decorum. Along with this, factors like Stage 6 load-shedding, measurements of internationally based models having to be taken virtually, and a two-week deadline for the showcase. All of this was worth the toil after they landed for fittings and all models’ garments fit much like gloves.
From their first stitch the vision was clear – to create a global powerhouse with quality being at the forefront of the atelier. They have the inventiveness to make their fashion mark both nationally and internationally. With hopes to rebuild the once thriving textiles industry that used to dominate the Cape, Durban and Eastern Cape. While internationally, they are looking to take the brand to levels where they can sell to international clientele, through brick-and-mortar stores in hubs such as UAE, Singapore, New York, Paris and London.
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