Bethal designer is making her mark in the fashion industry
Lindeka received her first sewing machine, a gift from a friend, when she was 14 years old.
Lindeka Zulu (17) is a fashion designer who is currently studying at Mzinoni High School.
Her interest in sewing began at the age of six when she sewed clothes for her dolls. At the age of 13, she discovered her talents lie in fashion designing. Her grandmother encouraged Lindeka to pursue her passion.
“I designed a hand-sewn dress from scratch and it caught people’s attention.”
Lindeka received her first sewing machine, a gift from a friend, when she was 14 years old. People have taken notice of the young talent and she is selling her designs. Her fashion designs accommodate people of all shapes and sizes.
“I design clothes, jewellery and accessories and I aspire to design shoes as well. I want to begin a business and later groom other young talented people and be the mentor that I never had.”
Competitions
Lindeka took part in the Miss Mpumalanga Teen 2016 competition and was in the top 14.
“I learnt a lot about myself during the modelling competition and being around my peers from different backgrounds was refreshing.”
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She also has other interests, such as modelling, poetry and doing illustrations. “I strive to express myself through my crafts, as I believe every artist does.”
As an extra source of income, Lindeka does nails and hair. She uses the money to purchase material and design her own outfits.
“I like to challenge myself with the different fabrics. I am in my element when I begin working.”
She is inspired by people from different walks of life and fashion designers from across the continent.
“My personality shines through my work and that is something I can be proud of. “I am a risk taker, I am not afraid to be myself and I am comfortable in my ownskin.”
Lindeka was a model at the Lavi Fashion Show in 2015 and showed her clothes collection at the Haute Couture Fashion Show in Bethal.
“I have dealt with bad critics and I can only grow from here on.
“Support is very important because talent can only carry you so far.”
She plans to study fashion designing to sharpen her skills and to later major in arts.
Trends
Lindeka appreciates fashion trends, yet she prefers to create her own. She is looking forward to registering her own business before the end of the year.
“I would like to enter designing competitions to be recognised by the big names in the fashion industry. I want to become an international designer one day.”
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