Lesego Malatsi is the MD of Mzansi Designs, and has his design studio on the 10th floor of an office building in downtown Johannesburg and a store in Mopane Mall… and he’s headed for the big time!!  He’s been invited to showcase his designs at the Fashions Finest London Fashion Week Show in September (which is a recognised off schedule show).

The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship asked me to take photos of his studio and part of his collection this afternoon (it was a huge pity that all the dresses he’s showing are already in London), as well as the hats (made by ex-Nigerian Folake Adejuyigbe) and accessories made by Freda Sebolai (who originally comes from Koffiefontein in the Freestate).  These hats and accessories are the ones that will be used with Lesego’s outfits on the catwalks in London.

Freda is not only a jewellery designer (whose jewellery is being used in the wardrobes of some of the local soapies, and she sells them at local markets), but she has her own youth marketing company and she’s also a model.

As for Folake’s hats… how amazing!  Folake is originally from Nigeria and has lived in South Africa for the last 10 odd years. Her hats are made from a netting type of material… and she handmakes them!

And I just LOVED the fascinator she wore on her head!

And lastly a few photos of the man himself… Lesego… wearing one of his own shirts I might add!

I wish these 3 all the very best of luck… I think it’s awesome to see South African designers on an international stage!