Khutjo designs his future
From an early age, 23-year-old Khutjo Kekana has had a knack for designing.
POLOKWANE -He followed his passion and studied fashion design at Tshwane University of Technology’s arts campus.
“I loved fashion since I was eight years old, however, it only became a serious passion of mine when I went to high school.
“That is when I realised I wanted to make a career out of fashion,” Kekaka said.
The young designer resides in Seshego Zone 1 and makes clothes for all ages and genders, specialising in couture.
Khutjo says the best part about being a designer is seeing someone wearing his clothes. His clothes are of immaculate quality as, he admits, he is a little obsessed with detail and is a perfectionist.
Not only is he a designer, but an artist who dabbles in painting as well although he doesn’t sell his creations.
He has big plans for his career in the fashion industry.
“I would like to see my designer clothes being sold in retail one day. I’m trying to get an investor to assist me in opening a boutique, art school, fashion house and production company. I also plan on collaborating with other artists in order to create some one-of-a-kind pieces. All of these are just plans at the moment but I hope to make them a reality soon,” Khutjo continued.
He explained the trick to making it as a designer is that you need to work hard and always train yourself to be better than you were yesterday.
Khutjo added that although the local fashion industry is still in its infancy, it holds promise.
“I feel artists in Limpopo lack support, especially from our peers. There is a lot of competition and we tend to forget our end goals are mostly the same, to put our province on the map. It often happens that designers relocate to Johannesburg thinking they will make it big there instead of supporting each other locally and helping to develop and grow the industry. All we need is to support each other and believe in ourselves for a greater future.”
