Sunninghill designer hopes to change lives, one garment at a time
SUNNINGHILL – A Sunninghill-based designer was delighted to show off her designs in Miss Universe South Africa's Destiny Designed fashion show.
A Sunninghill-based fashion designer was excited to showcase her designs in the Destiny Designed virtual fashion show, hosted by Miss Universe South Africa 2020, Natasha Joubert.
The fashion show was aimed at empowering and showcasing local fashion designers. Destiny Designed is Joubert’s Miss Universe social cause initiative and is close to her heart as she is a fashion designer who started her own company, Natalia Jefferys in 2016.
Bonolo Mosimege, owner of Doux Regal Couture, is a self-taught fashion designer who started her own business in 2015.
“My love for fashion design came from the early age of 13 years when I used my mother’s old sewing machine to make clothes for myself before ultimately starting my own fashion business.
“I was working as a social worker and made the decision to resign in 2019 in order to follow my passion and be more focused on fashion design.
“A year after leaving my job, we were hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing me to be out of business and landing me in enormous debt as I was not able to make any sales when lockdown began.”
Mosimege said that her business suffered great financial distress which resulted in her having to sell some of her equipment and move out of her premises and find a smaller and more affordable space to work in. “I managed to make and sell face masks for a while but it was not 100 per cent sustainable. I decided to get a part-time job as an au pair (which I’m currently still doing) while I try get back on my feet. My love for fashion design is immeasurable and I really can’t wait to get back in the industry full time again and create magic!”
She was thrilled to be one of the 12 designers to take part in the show. “For someone who was almost ready to give up on her passion, this opportunity came at exactly the right time. Not only did it spark back that desire in my heart but it also gave me an opportunity to shine again. Having lost a lot due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this opportunity will help me get back to doing what I love and show the world what I am capable of, and that is being a fashion icon and a designer who changes the lives of others, one garment at a time.”
She added that being named as one of the Top 12 designers is a dream come true and an assurance that her hard work, talent and consistency are paying off.
“Happy cannot begin to describe how I feel right now. I am a self-taught designer who is always learning about the fashion industry.”
The designers – who come from around the country – will each make two garments and have them modelled by reigning Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida, Miss Supranational South Africa 2020 Thato Mosehle and the Miss SA 2020 finalists.
