VRYHEID KZN: Clothing designer introduces one of his new ‘addictions’

Sanele ‘Kartoo’ Kunene is a 22-year-old young man who was born and bred in Vryheid (Emadoshini), but now resides in Lakeside (an area within Vryheid). He has battled challenges but is determined to make a name for himself in the arena of clothing design. The Vryheid Herald caught up with Kartoo to find out a bit more of his story…

Kartoo explains that he attended his lower grades at eBhekuzulu Primary School and then went to Besterspruit Primary School to finish his primary grades. He says that, for him, growing up was not easy… He lived with his mother and two siblings, and they struggled financially. His high school years were spent at Kwabhanya High School. ”I remember when I was doing Grade 8, I used to sew pants for my friends and schoolmates. Normally I would do trouser stitches for boys, because their pants were big and it just seemed ‘cool’ to wear stitched trousers back then. It was not allowed and the teachers would scold us or even send us back home,” recalls Kartoo with a smile.

He says that after matric, he did not have funds to continue with his studies and was forced to take a gap year. Fast-forward to 2018, he moved to Ladysmith to try and make something out of his life, securing a ‘piece job’ at a retail store. However, because it was not a permanent job, he had to go back home and continue sewing clothes for people. “After I came back to Vryheid, I continued with my sewing and I managed to save enough money to buy myself a brand new sewing machine.”

Then, in early 2019, Kartoo decided to enter for the Dundee July. He worked with four models – Smiso Ngema, Ayanda Buthelezi, Siyabonga Khumalo and Nondumiso Mbatha – who showcased the outfits he tailored. “Unfortunately, we did not win, but for me it was just a first try.” Kartoo then decided to start his own clothing line called ‘The City Addiction’. He mentions that he pitched the idea to the models and they were behind it 100%. “We knew that our fan base was weak and at that time, we were struggling with funds; that’s why most people did not know about us. The year 2020 was not a good year either, since there were no competitions and pageants. We did a few photo-shoots though.”

He goes on to explain that, “I don’t only tailor clothes, I also design them – from street wear to formal wear, wedding garments, bags and hats. I am still exploring my talent, as I want to design shoes, couches and even bedding.”

They recruited a few local creative people to work with them in 2020, but due to limited funds, that didn’t go too well. “On June 16, 2021, we are planning to host an event called ‘Innovative Springs of Culture’, where young people will get the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills.” If you would like to sponsor Sanele, contact him on 081-397-1435.

ALSO READ:Local fashion designer represents at the Dundee July

Make sure you follow us on our social media platforms for regular updates