Hats off to Thabang
Although Thabang Chuene Malepe wears many hats, she is only focused on one thing.
POLOKWANE – The 36-year-old founder of Lady Tee Hats Millinery developed a love for hats at an early age, which was influenced by Christian upbringing and the African tradition whereby women must cover their heads. She started to make hats for herself because she didn’t like the way a doek looked on her.
“I then started a hat collection and did modifications. I am an artist by nature and creativity is not just a hobby but a therapy for me. I decided to take advantage of the demands from the market and went for millinery training to acquire advanced skills,” she shared. Thabang loves to design hats for women for funerals, high tea parties, weddings and other occasions.
“Hats are classic royal accessories that transform normal outfits into elegant and extraordinary ensembles. We make custom-made hats which range between traditional hats, fascinators and bonnets,” she added.
Thabang is a construction project manager by profession and spends most of her free time in front of the computer, busy with research for alternative sewing methods and materials.
“The importance of appearance has dramatically changed in our generation, increasing the demand for designer hats. I plan to open an online and physical shop when the will of God allows it,” she said.
Thabang can be reached on 073 147 1082 or on Facebook (TCM hats) and on Instagram (ladyteehat).
