Designer addresses body dysmorphia in latest line
"We are about teaching young girls that there’s nothing wrong with their bodies."
Growing up, Nontando Mashinini designed clothes to cope with mental health disorders like depression and anxiety caused by constant bullying and body shaming.
That morphed into her now successful business, Blaq Doll Designs, which promotes body positivity and designs clothes that encourage women to embrace their bodies and love themselves.
“We address things like anxiety, depression and body shaming in our clothes. Our mission is to give those with a low self-esteem confidence. Growing up, I lacked confidence and the only way I could express myself was through fashion,” she said.
Mashinini showcased her latest line themed ‘breakfree’ and ‘finding yourself’ during the fifth instalment of the #EkurhuleniArtsShowcase hosted by Inkwenkwezi Arts Creatives at Butcher 2.0 in Daveyton, on March 29.
“With this line, we are modernising African Print so that young people could be comfortable wearing clothes that celebrate Africanness while also embracing modern fashion.”
The Vosloorus designer added that some of the range showcased at the event aimed to address body dysmorphia, which she said was one of the leading causes of depression in young women.
“What Blaq Doll is and stands for comes from me and the challenges I faced growing up. We are about teaching young girls that there’s nothing wrong with their bodies. They are perfect the way they are.”
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The event featured an art exhibition and stage performances by various artists including Daveyton singer Surprise Malanga.
Artist Matla Kheola continued his presentation of education in his range of artworks that depict the education derived from indigenous games like Diketo, Morabaraba and Umgusha.
Kheola said these games enhanced critical thinking, problem-solving and patience and also built social cohesion.
“Diketo, for example, helped us with solving equations, counting skills and mental agility. Umgusha taught us how to navigate the different stages we go through in life. The first stage is always easy but as the game progresses, the stages become difficult. Life is like that. These games also helped with social cohesion because young people gathered in one place to play,” he said.
Potter Clement Maenetja, who showcased his array of clay pots and dishes, explained that he was inspired by his upbringing in Limpopo.
“My grandmother dished up for us on enamel plates. I’m recreating those moments using clay. Inside these plates I have included food we used to enjoy like mopani worms. It’s my lifestyle growing up,” Maenetja said.
Inkwenkwezi’s media and stakeholders manager Ayanda Gwele said their goal is to see the event grow.
“We want to be the number one choice for arts and creatives in Ekurhuleni. We want to be the most memorable and go-to place. That’s what we envision for the future.”
Also Read: Budding artists display talent at arts showcase
