Khothatso Tsotetsi, founder of South African fashion brand Tsotetsi KL, kick-started his career soon after university with the singular aim of dressing up distinguished women who value tailoring, quality and style above all else. The young designer opened the Autumn/Winter show of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg (MBFWJ) in March with his collection, IN-MATE, inspired by the young, chic, distinctive and sophisticated woman. We spent a few moments with him backstage:
How has South Africa received your brand?
It has been warmly welcomed, especially by women with chic distinctive sophistication and who confidently portray stature, transparency and color. We believe that the pride women have, be it internal or external, should be well-articulated through color. We’ve had the privilege of three years (six seasons) in the industry assisting local and international clients in creating awareness that boldness in color, fabric and design is ideal, no matter what the season.
What makes your collection stand out?
The main fabric is blue velvet: sophisticated, classy, elegant, fragile but still weighted enough to be worn in winter. Embellishments, beads and all other detailing were done by hand, carefully as to not overwhelm, not forgetting the laser cut, high-waist skirts and the elegant wide-brimmed straw hats. We chose cobalt blue in the belief that trends in color also evolve.
Where do you see South African fashion in the coming years?
At the moment we would say it’s pacing concurrently with Africa. Currently, South African designers are treated more like kids in the international fashion industry. The respect given to designers overseas is more credible, they have influence on a global platform. International fashion comes with bigger budgets and takes opportunities from potential and established South African designers who have limited budgets. On top of that, it’s hard for young South African designers to acquire similar opportunities and experience due to limited investment possibilities.
Luckily, South Africans are starting to acknowledge South African designers to a point where a designer can invest time in finding out more about African fabric and also source resources in South Africa itself.
What’s an essential item of clothing for women this season?
It will have to be flowy swing dresses or straw hats.