Local designer shaking things up this Youth Month

LIMPOPO – Thabo, the owner of Fashion Ancestors Creations, says the theme of the shoot will include traditional and vintage attire with subtle school uniform touches to commemorate the class of 1976.

“I want to celebrate the young heroes and heroines who dedicated their lives to the struggle towards decent education. Because of their efforts, today the youth has the opportunity to proper and free education.”

The 21-year-old who hails from Jane Furse says the event is dedicated to all youth who continue to contribute toward improving the quality of life in their communities.

Thabo says his collection caters for both men and women and offers clothing items such as coats, street and formal attire, African print, and dungarees for men among others. He says his dream of making and designing clothes became a reality last year. “I have always loved fashion and dressing. I started to show an interest in fashion from a very young age as I used to assist my mother, who is a dressmaker, to sew and cut material. She is the one who influenced my love for fashion.”

Thabo, who is currently studying at SewAfrica Fashion College in Johannesburg, says while he was growing up he started making clothes for his friends and eventually started his own fashion label and opened his own business.

The young designer say his designs tell African stories and are specially tailored for African people.

“My designs are my way of communicating and sending messages. The clothes I make portray culture, history and humankind among others. There are several talented local designers who lack support and a platform to showcase their skills. Sometimes, as artists, we have to take matters into our own hands and create platforms for ourselves where we are able to market our brands and network with potential buyers.”

Thabo finds inspiration from Durban based designer, Thembeka Vilakazi, of Yadah Exclusive Designs whom he says is also his mentor.

He says running a clothing business is not easy and he faces his fair share of challenges such as meeting the demand as he does not presently have a workshop.

“I advertise my clothing range on social media and do the deliveries myself, however, I would like to open my own store soon.”

Thabo is thankful for the support of his parents, his twin sister and his brother who support him and believe in him. Thabo will also be featured in the Miss Cultural Limpopo pageant which will take place on 24 September.