Thabo Makhetha: A fashion designer blending heritage and creativity
(Photographer - Areh Malovhele)
In the vibrant city of Cape Town, where fashion and cultural diversity intertwine, one brand stands out for its unique approach to design. Thabo Makhetha, has carved a niche for herself in the industry with her unique approach to fashion, blending authenticity, heritage, and storytelling through its use of traditional blankets and the artistry of craftsmanship.
Her Cape Town-based studio has captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts, while also embracing a social mission of self-expression and empowerment.
"We create garments and draw inspiration from the Basotho blankets from which I'm creating capes, coats and jackets from those authentic blankets," she said.
Thabo is currently participating in the Global Export Accelerator Programme (GEAP) which is aimed to stimulate job creation and income generation by building capacities of local, Black-owned enterprises to export their products or services.
After earning her diploma in Fashion Design, Thabo struggled to find suitable employment opportunities which steered her on an entrepreneurial journey to establish her brand 'Thabo Makhetha' in 2009.
What sets her brand apart from its competitors is its deep-rooted connection to cultural heritage and identity. Thabo draws inspiration from her upbringing and diverse experiences, having been born in Lesotho and later moving to South Africa at a young age.
"The question to me has always been, 'who am I?' and 'where do I fit in?' in this space... so using my heritage and my culture, that's the inspiration where I draw from," said Thabo.
Each garment is a visual narrative, carefully crafted to capture the essence of tradition and personal journeys. By utilizing authentic blankets as its foundation, the brand breathes new life into these cherished fabrics, transforming them into wearable art.
Thabo doesn't succumb to the trends of fast fashion; instead, she focuses on timeless designs that continue to resonate with her clients. In fact, some designs showcased in 2014 are still sought after by customers today.
With a small but dedicated team consisting of a pattern maker and fashion assistant, the studio is a creative hub where individuals can seek customized garments for special occasions and traditional events. She believes in the power of sharing knowledge and providing mentorship to those who are willing to learn.