For Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana, fashion has always been closely connected to art, heritage and storytelling. Born in Lesotho and raised in South Africa, the designer behind the ‘Thabo Makhetha’ label draws creative inspiration from her late grandmother, a seamstress whose sewing talent was well known in her community.

Although she was only three when her grandmother passed away, a photograph of her sitting at a sewing machine has stayed with Makhetha-Kwinana. While her parents are civil engineers and her sister is a chartered accountant, she found her path through drawing, initially sketching designs for friends before pursuing formal studies in fashion design.

Her artistic approach has continued beyond clothing. In 2023, she became the first fashion designer to undertake an artist residency at the Iziko South African National Gallery.

Her work centres on her Basotho heritage, particularly the Basotho blanket, a cultural artefact with a history spanning approximately 150 years. Through contemporary designs, she reimagines its cultural significance for modern audiences.

“I want them to feel bold and confident without needing to say a word,” she says of those who wear her creations.

A collection about identity and belonging

At SA Fashion Week, currently taking place at The Forum, Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg, Makhetha-Kwinana is showcasing Eaka, Eahao, a collection that explores the relationship between individuality and belonging.

The collection asks an important question: What makes us who we are when so much of our identity comes from our families, communities and heritage?

Makhetha-Kwinana believes the answer lies in recognising the influences that shape us while retaining the freedom to decide how we express them.

“I hope people leave feeling that their own stories are worth celebrating, with the freedom to decide what they carry forward,” she says.

Her journey has shown her how deeply personal cultural storytelling can resonate with international audiences. Her debut collection, Kobo ea Bohali (which means ‘blankets of prestige’), was showcased at Vancouver Fashion Week in Canada in 2014, earning critical acclaim for its contemporary interpretation of the Basotho blanket.

In 2024, the Kingdom of Lesotho awarded her the Cultural Appreciation Award in recognition of her contribution to celebrating Basotho culture.

As South African fashion continues to evolve, Makhetha-Kwinana believes the country’s cultural diversity offers designers countless stories to explore through textiles, craftsmanship and design.

With Eaka, Eahao, she hopes to remind audiences that celebrating where we come from does not limit who we can become. Instead, we can carry our heritage forward in our own way.

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