Lesotho-born creative Thabo Makhetha believes in taking ownership of your story and the ability to merge distinctly African aesthetic with contemporary. The label is globally recognized for using and taking inspiration from authentic Basotho blankets. Thabo is currently exploring the integrations of cultures by creating her own set of Basotho inspired textiles. She talks to African Style about her love for fashion and the harmony of cultures and heritage.
Define your personal style
I like to wear fitted flattering forms but still look and feel relaxed. I enjoy incorporating an ethnic element to my look which
always catches the eye.
When did the love-for-fashion-bug bit?
I think its has always ben there, there isn’t a moment I can say
“that’s the moment I fell in love”. My grandmother was a
seamstress and she would take me to work with her when I was
still three years old if not younger. I have always been working on
sketches and putting pieces of fabric together with cello tape and
glue while I was still in my early years in primary school.
The choice to follow fashion as a career really happened in grade
11/12 as I was really interested in fine art as well. My parents
convinced me that everyone needs clothes but not everyone
needs a painting in their home.
What inspires you at the moment?
Currently I am drawing inspiration from my son. He is part Xhosa
and part Sotho and I wonder how he will celebrate both these
heritages. Many times, especially with sons, the mother’s heritage
is side lined and the son only take his fathers heritage. Expanding
more one this idea and looking at my own life and having lived
amongst other cultures (also including my parents who lived in
India for many years), I realized I cannot deny the influence other
cultures have had in creating my own identity.
I am currently exploring the integrations of cultures by creating my
own set of Basotho Inspired textiles that will tell this new story of
the beauty and harmony of two cultures coming together. I have
started a crowd funding campaign to support this initiative. Learn more about it at www.thundafund.com/projects/kobo
Accessory everyone should have?
Afrigarde neck piece. I can’t say it enough. It’s a beautiful
neckpiece and a work of art you can hang in your home as well, it
is functional fashion art…
How is working in fashion different today than from when you
started out?
It’s a lot more stressful but also more exciting. The exciting part is what is happening in the tech side of the world within smart textiles. I am also loving the tec innovation when it comes to how fashion is presented and how individuals can interact with clothing digitally.
Career highlights
– Meeting Jackie Burger at Design Indba and having her wear
one of my pieces at the Loius Vuitton show in 2014.
– Nominated for Most Beautiful Object in South Afric by Emilie
Gambade in 2017.
– Being accepted for the Mandela Washington Fellowship
and studying at the McCombs School of Business in Austin, Texas USA along side other amazing entrepreneurs from across the African continent.
What helps you get in the zone when you’re designing?
Music! Music keeps the ideas flowing!
Which trend is completely over?
The fanny pack…I still don’t understand how it got back onto the
scene!
What advice would you give to young designers?
I would definitely say really look at all the options within the fashion
industry, it is not just the design and make cloths aspect of it. And
try work for someone first so you get a practical