Katlehong designer launches fundraiser ahead of Botswana fashion show
Axolile Mke is pleading for funds to assist him to showcase his fashion line in Botswana in October.
After 21 years of sharpening his craft in textile and fashion design, Katlehong fashion designer Axolile Lucky ‘Sbali’ Mke is preparing for a big stepping stone in his career.
The 36-year-old fashion designer has been selected to represent South Africa at the Fashion Without Borders Africa (FWBA) event, to be held in Botswana from October 17 to 21.
Having started developing his skill with the needle and a domestic sewing machine at the early age of 11, the Katlehong-born designer is a recipient of the second annual Premiers Youth Excellency and Service Awards under the Arts and Culture Department.
He won the award for hosting the fashion circle, a creative developmental platform which he initiated in 2017.
In 2016 he was selected among 29 other artists to develop artwork for the Ekurhuleni Bus Rapid Transport.
Mke is pleading with the public to assist him to raise funds to attend and showcase his work at the highly contested fashion event.
He said he needs to raise at least R50 000 to cover travel costs, accommodation and equipment, however, he noted that even raising half of the money will help him to succeed.
“I feel blessed and happy as this is a huge platform. I think it will take my career to the next level as it means I would not just be a designer in Gauteng but a designer in Africa.
“To be able to compete, I need either a faster sewing machine like an industrial or a studio machine and also quality material,” said Mke.
“I would usually use cheaper material but this time the competition demands the best quality.”
He said part of the requirement is to sell 10 tickets for the show but he preferred taking other artists from the township.
“I want to with people who will also get an opportunity to learn from the experience and see how other countries do it,” he noted.
He said they have to make music for the ramp, and although they had a choice to use licensed music, he decided to use the opportunity to collaborate with other creatives.
“I know other artists in the township who are really good. I want to collaborate with them to create music that will play in the background while I showcase,” he said.
He learnt the skill from his mother Nophelo. He grew up watching his mother sew clothes and alter for people in the community.
He said one time his mother was called for a peace job whilst in a middle of an order to sew uniforms for a choir from the Gqeberha. “She cut the cloth for me and gave me detailed instructions as I had to finish off the job. So I started young.
“I was inspired by the township culture. If you grow up in the township you would know that fashion has always been an element in black people’s lives. We identify and express ourselves through fashion.”
He described himself as a creative with a set of skills in fashion, graphic design, photography, music composition, event planning, artist and repertoire.
“I have showcased at many local events in Katlehong and Johannesburg namely the fashion cycle, and fashion kapiton. I have also showcased at other events hosted by Fashion Zinto.”
The African fashion platform
FWBA is a continental fashion show that was initiated in Botswana but it has previously been hosted in various African countries.
He said his work was inspired by the culture of the African continent, citing that he has used African prints in most of his designs
“I named the fashion line that I will be presenting the Dotted Line, implying fashion without borders. It is only borders that prevent us from crossing over,” he shared.
He said the project name resembles the nonexistent borderlines in some African counties.
“The message behind it is to inspire people to peruse opportunities beyond the border, these are just dotted lines you can cross them to greener pastures and come back.”
To support Mke on his upcoming journey community members can contribute any amount.
Bank details
Bank: Absa
Account number 4101332861
Brach code: 63200
Account type: cheque
For more information contact Mke, at 083 8808517.
