Local designer elevates fashion
Mabopane-born fashion designer Kagiso Mac Mashilo is CEO and head designer of Melerine Rose International luxury women's wear.
A Mabopane-born fashion designer has been stitching timeless luxury women’s wear for over a decade.
CEO and head designer of Melerine Rose International, Kagiso Mac Mashilo said his journey in fashion began in 2013 when he was involved in community development initiatives in his home town.
“What started as an engagement with fashion entertainment in my community soon blossomed into my career life,” said Mashilo.
He highlighted his upbringing in a socially disadvantaged background as a profound influence that sparked his unique lens to dream and create.
“My creativity is continuously inspired by my childhood experiences, long meditative walks, extensive travel, luxury living and the profound influence of female figures,” Mashilo said.
He emphasised his vision to turn dreams into reality as something that makes him stand out from other designers.
“I consistently design with the woman in mind. I don’t feel pressure to blindly follow trends, instead, I interpret them into my own aesthetic to preserve the exclusive feel of Melerine Rose.”
Mashilo explained his design philosophy as the centre for transformation and innovation.
“These elements are the core focus of every design I undertake. As both an aesthetic and functional designer, I meticulously search for inspiration that resonates with emotion. This is then translated into my sketchbooks through detailed illustrations.
“The process continues with sourcing exquisite fabrics, creating initial samplings, gaining design approvals, and then producing the final garments, followed by fittings with models and collaboration with stylists and marketing teams.”
He described his collaboration with businesswoman and actress Makgofe Moagi as a turning point in his career.
“Her presence instilled a deep discipline of art within me and fuelled my global ambitions, opening doors to international showcases,” said Mashilo.
Another unforgettable event, which panned out to be a resounding success, was Mashilo’s 2020 Paris Fashion Week show at The Ritz Hotel Place Vendôme.
Mashilo’s path has not been without obstacles. Building a global luxury fashion brand with limited access to capital and without mentorship has been one of his greatest challenges.
“Building a global luxury brand like Melerine Rose has presented significant financial challenges, especially without readily available mentors or references for consultation.”
He encouraged aspiring young designers to improve their fashion knowledge to succeed and gain experience within the industry.
“Aspiring designers should prioritise gaining experience by working for others, attending fashion events for networking, and utilising social media and podcasts to deepen their industry knowledge,” Mashilo said.
He is currently working on a collection titled “Femininity Meets Masculinity”, inspired by his mother’s marital journey and the architectural spaces of Italy, such as the Palazzo Ducale in Venice.
Mashilo will be showcasing his upcoming collection for the first time at Milan Fashion Week in Italy in September.
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