Lower Illovo woman pivots from surveying cars to high fashion
An Illovo fashion designer shares her story and wows with her eye for high fashion, with several models wearing her work at the Durban July.
WHEN a car accident injured Sphindile “Pinky” Radebe’s (51) spine, causing her to be medically boarded from her work as a surveyor for imported cars, hope came in the form of fashion, spinning up a passion in her to learn more about the craft.
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The Lower Illovo resident recently had three of her beautiful designs modelled at the iconic Durban July.
In 2012, after her accident, Radebe pivoted to fashion. She first worked with a sewing machine in 1999 after receiving one as a gift. She was eventually self-taught in threading and basic operation.
“I decided to study fashion so I could learn how to do patterns and cutting. I went to Lindiwe Kuzwayo Academy of Fashion. After getting my diploma, I got an opportunity to work with eThekwini Municipalty for the Durban Fashion Fair Mentorship. My mentor was Greg Wallis, founder of G&D Apparel,” said Radebe.
She began showcasing her unique designs at the Durban July while she was still in college.
A challenge she hopes to overcome soon is to acquire more machinery so that she is able to empower more young people to learn and master the craft. Her advice for youth is to focus on building skills, as it paves the way for entrepreneurship and further growth.
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