Lass of deluxe designs

Before obtaining a degree, without any local fashion shows and limited materials, are few of the things that stood as odds against local fashion designer, Delean Kasi. However, the talented lass persevered and established her name in the fashion industry.

Winterton-born Delean Kasi relocated with her family to Estcourt where she began and completed her schooling career. By then Delean decided that she was going to study medicine and become a doctor.

From possible doctor to designer, it struck her that becoming a doctor just isn’t cut out for her. Informing her family of her new career path did initially leave them stunned but nonetheless they supported her choice.

Delean could not be happier with her decision.

“It brought back fond memories from my childhood, I recalled the dresses I would sketch and those that my mother made for me and I just had this desire to make stunning Barbie doll-like dresses for people,” explained Delean.

She submitted a portfolio of various designs to the Durban University of Technology, she surprised herself with her sketches and impressed the university where she was accepted. Delean recently obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Consumer Science of Fashion and Retail Management through the University of South Africa.

She designed herself a dress to wear to the graduation presentation, something she doesn’t get time to do often, and admits that it was a head turner. Her unparalleled perseverance seems to be surprising herself as well as clients and other upcoming fashion designers in the industry.

“Fashion design is not just picking up a pencil and sketching pretty items, it’s about pattern making, garment stitching and understanding the business aspect of it as well,” she explained.

Delean is extremely proud of herself, saying that before obtaining a degree, she’s managed to work hard at making her new found, generational and ‘God given gift’ a success. She specialises in women’s evening wear, prom dresses, bridal wear, suits and pageant gowns.

The self-proclaimed free spirited young woman hopes to include more items to her range. In a small town like ours, where fashion design is not well recognised, Delean aims to put Estcourt on the map.

This should inspire us to do anything we set our mind to, just like Delean. Early last year, she made an appearance on national television in the ‘Our Perfect Wedding’ show, where she designed Mr Mosia’s suits for his wedding in the Free State.

She imported materials from India and used them to bring her sketches to life, making Mr Mosia a stunning outfit to wed his wife in.

“Thus far it has been my favourite career highlight. It was an experience I will never forget and definitely an experience I want to get used to,” she said with a smile.

In the next five years she would like to have a proudly South African clothing brand and a designer label in local and international chain stores.

“I want to see my designs showcased within the United Kingdom, and featured at the Pure London International Trade Show, which has already accepted my portfolio,” she shared excitedly.

Delean’s favourite local designer is Gert Johan Coetzee and internationally she’s inspired by the works of Elie Saab and Manish Malhotra. For more of what this talented lass has designed visit her Facebook page, Shaddai Designs & Décor.

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