Embracing the confidence levels of plus size people through fashion designing

eMBALENHLE – Ms Kelesto Mositsa (24) is a fashion designer and designs plus size clothes.

She discovered her love for fashion at the age of 10 when she was sketching in her art school book.

Growing up she watched her mother sewing and learnt valuable tips to help her with her own sewing.

“I was fascinated by her exceptionally work.”

Ms Mositsa’s inspiration comes from looking at nature, the structure of buildings and the great variety of wallpaper available.

She studied at Vaal University of Technology and has a diploma in fashion designing.

“My creative spark comes from anything that is beautiful. I love making clothes for women who want to feel comfortable and confident.”

Family support has shaped her career.

“University was tough, but my family supported and carried me through. My sister fought to get my dreams realised and I am grateful,” she said.

Being a plus size person, Ms Mositsa is able to relate to designing for plus size models.

She believes what people wear is influenced by their level of confidence.

“It is my personal mission to highlight the beauty in all women,” said Ms Mositsa.

She described fashion as a broad industry and that can be defined by different people’s tastes.

To her fashion is basically clothing trends or styles that are most popular at a particular time.

Ms Mositsa emphasised the importance of having formal training.

“Talent is great, but grooming the talent will definitely set you apart. Neatness and some knowledge of finances and hand crafting is very important.”

With some knowledge of computer aided designing (CAD), Ms Mositsa prefers to sketch, and said it is more authentic to her.

She makes use of various media to stay updated with the latest trends, although social media has become the most instant method of staying on top of the ever changing world of fashion.

Ms Mositsa believes in good time management and she abhors untidy work.

“Learn to say no. Designers often want to serve all their clients and then you get swamped with work.

“It is a learning process and having guidance helps,” she said.

Ms Mositsa’s strengths are being able to work under pressure and to design men’s wear.

Her weakness is saying no to clients.

Working with models is the best for her, as models understand it is about bringing the designer’s vision to life.

Ms Mositsa is working towards supplying her brand to retail stores and boutiques.

She is currently designing for a plus size fashion show scheduled for May and the spring/summer show happening later in the year.

Follow Ms Mositsa on her Facebook page Kel-More Designs, on instagram at @kelmoredesigns or email her at kelmoredesigns@gmail.com.

She can be contacted at 072 716 2186 and 081 583 3979.