Turning heads with Caraci Clothing

Warm, colourful and effervescent – these are some of the words that do not only describe Sebo Marobela but also his brand, Caraci Clothing. The budding entrepreneur and designer made the bold decision to turn his hobby and extend his fashion sense and colourful personality into a thriving and sought-after fashion house.

“The brand is actually my personality. I used to dress like this all the time – when I go out with friends I’d wear stuff that makes me happy and shows my personality. Everything that I make is what I would wear as well,” Sebo said.

Turning heads wherever he goes, it didn’t take long until Sebo’s personality and ethos resonated with some of Joburg’s noteworthy street-fashion and high-couture aficionados.

“Caraci is for people who don’t wish to sit back. It’s for people who want to be out there and be seen, but not be seen in an obnoxious and loud way – just in a way that says I’m proud of who I am and I love what I’m wearing and who I am.”

Sebo’s eye for striking patterns sets Caraci Clothing apart from others in the industry – his fabric-sourcing process is vigorous, yet, seamless and shies away from complicated designs which force fashion lovers to ring him up for some custom-made Caraci Clothing garments.

“Prints look beautiful and the prints work the magic. It’s something that we as Africans have the privilege of, we have beautiful African prints that people from the rest of the world want and we have them so close to us.”

A few brands have the enviable feat of not only being relatable to their primary consumer base but also to observers who either love or critique the brand from the edges. Sebo said he owes his brand’s relatability to his warm and welcoming nature, travels around the world and his ability to speak eight South African languages – a true testament for his love for African heritage.

 “When I went to Asia I still wore what I would wear here. What this actually did was made me realise how people are proud of their culture over there and instead of being influenced it made be proud of our culture as well and our beautiful prints. Every time I would realise that what I was wearing would start a conversation and make me meet new people.”

Looking back at 2019, Sebo said he spent most of the year getting his head right, putting himself out there and swiftly establishing Caraci Clothing as a legitimate fashion powerhouse that does not only create employment opportunities for skilled designers, tailors and seamstresses but also provides a thrilling shopping experience for customers.

“Next year it’s going to be better. Hopefully we’ll be moving into a bigger space. “I’m actually proud of what we achieved in this year – 2020 just sounds amazing and everything will be 20 times better. I want to challenge myself as a designer – moving into solid colours and items that will speak on people’s personalities and boldness and 2020 is about pushing it.”

Browse through the gallery below for a glimpse of some of Caraci Clothing’s creations: