We caught up with emerging Durban designers Siphesihle Khoza and Emmanuel Sefatsa who will be showcasing at this years Durban Fashion Fair on Thursday.
The designers are currently putting the final touches on their showcases before the big reveal.
Siphesihle Khoza is a self-taught designer from KwaMakhutha, a township in the south of Durban.
His love of fashion started back in 2004 when he was in grade 7. He took sewing classes at school and had no idea that one day it would lead him into making fashion his career.
He moved to Durban looking for mentors in the industry, he then met Bonga Bhengu who introduced him to the basics of fashion in 2006. Shortly afterward, he was rejoined with his childhood friend Mthokozisi Ntaka of Randevour Clothing where they spent years together growing in the fashion business.
As a menswear designer, Khoza said he is inspired by all cultures and clans across the world. He believes strongly in simplicity and neatness and focussing on the smaller details that define his style.
For the show-case he said it has taken him 5 months to prepare.
“It took almost 5 months with back and forth visits to the judges but it is just a 5 weeks work,” he said.
He added that incorporating the AfroFuristic theme was easy because he had, from the beginning, chosen colours that just shout Africa in a futuristic way.
“Being part of DFF2018 is the best thing that has ever happened in my whole career being self taught amongst graduates is always a challenge but I am thankful that I managed to make it this far,” he said.
After begging for a sneak peak into his showcase he said, “You can expect soft colours like desert sand brown/rust, brown, few shades of grey, rain forest green, white, silver and gold.”
Emmanuel Sibusiso Sefatsa whi will also be showcasing on Thursday, is a Durban based fashion designer who lives in uMlazi and studied fashion and textile design at DUT.
He was selected for the Milan internship program in 2014 and participated in the DFF that same year then again 2015.
“The Emmanuel Titito label focuses on young, adventurous, street smart individuals who appreciate fun and colour in the streets. Standing out amongst the rest is what this label is all about,” said Sefatsa.
He said he draws inspiration from international fashion designer Jeremy Scott.
“I have worked on this collection from the beginning of this year, and I not stopped working on it till last month. Then I started accessorizing,” he said.
He added that the opportunity to showcase at DFF2018 was a great opportunity for young designers.
“We get to show buyers, bloggers and potential customers what we have to offer as designers within Durban which is good for us as entrepreneurs,” he said.
He said the following should be expected from his showcase, “Since Emmanuel Titito is a menswear clothing label that emphasizes men to stand out with bright summer colours, we believe colour has the power to change a person’s mood so expect bright colours on the runway.”
