Young Thohoyandou designer making waves in fashion

LIMPOPO – The 26-year-old fashion designer Mulalo Mukosi is making waves in the textile and fashion industry.

Although she has sketched designs from a young age, she did not initially realise fashion would become her career. Mukosi, from Ngovhela village outside Thohoyandou in the Vhembe district, says her passion became clear during her first year in college in 2017.

She holds a diploma in clothing production from Vhembe TVET College.

“In 2007 I started sketching more seriously and looking into fashion schools. I would watch pattern-making videos every night before I slept. I was amazed at how someone could turn a piece of fabric into anything they wanted, and I wanted to do that too,” she said.

In 2020, her mother bought her first sewing machine and she began teaching herself through YouTube tutorials. Two years later, she enrolled at Vhembe TVET College to formally study clothing production, saying self-teaching was progressing too slowly.

“My brand is about giving people exactly what they want, without compromising their comfort,” said Mukosi.

She describes her journey as both challenging and rewarding: “There have been moments of doubt, but every satisfied customer reminds me why I started,” she said.

Mukosi believes her brand stands out because it is personal. Each garment is made to order and tailored to the customer’s vision, body and personality.

“My goal is to build a respected custom fashion brand known for quality, individuality and attention to detail, while also creating opportunities for others in the fashion space.”

Her biggest achievement, she added, is building and sustaining a brand from her own skills and vision, and earning the trust of customers who recommend her work to friends and family.

“The inspiration came from seeing a shortage of fashion designers in my area. I wanted to help fill that gap in my community,” she said.