PALESA MOKUBUNG SHAPES BOLD NEW FASHION TRENDS THROUGH MANTSHO
Palesa Mokubung, through her marque, Mantsho, produces iconic wear that’s designed to embrace a variety of scenes and moods in easy-going fashion.
Palesa Mokubung is a widely accoladed fashion designer who is today the founder and Creative Director of her own marque, Mantsho – having studied and graduated with a degree in Fashion Design, Palesa, alongside her talented team, is shaping styles and trends for tomorrow.
Palesa found her sense of identity – and her sense of style – early. “I was born in the Free State”, says Palesa. “I went to thirteen schools, and that taught me to be myself – I learned a lot about who I was and my character and personality by changing schools so often.”
“My personal style is very effortless, comfortable, ease, and class(y) – and maybe unique, because I really don’t try too hard”, Palesa adds.
Mantsho, meaning ‘black is beautiful’ in Sesotho, is the name of Palesa’s own company that produces iconic collections and signature pieces. Palesa is accompanied by her talented team.
“I work with a patternmaker, and I work with a tailor and seamstress”, explains Palesa. Today, Palesa and her team work in concert to produce innovative new garments and items that have set the fashion scene ablaze.
Speaking on his work, Philemon Malatse, Patternmaker at Mantsho adds that “Working at Mantsho is a pleasure because we create fashionable styles that the world can admire. If there’s any new style, we discuss the new fashion details that will attract the media and the fashion community at large.”
Through connecting people, woven and fine skills, Mantsho has today established its presence on the South African stage and under Palesa’s stewardship has been the recipient of several awards.
“I take pride in dressing the South African woman in the South African shape. I’m very proud that Mantsho is still standing 15 years later”, says Palesa. “The idea for the items in this store is for people to have fun when getting dressed – it is really about giving the people what they want!”
While 2020 has been a difficult year, the team behind the Mantsho name have readied themselves to adapt to new realities and trends – and the group’s latest work embraces the change of lifestyle our national lockdown has brought.
Speaking on what fashionistas can expect from the Mantsho brand, Palesa outlines that ahead of Fashion Week, Mantsho digital collections will highlight sustainable collection and will cleverly recycle previous showpieces into new and fresh ideas.
“People can expect brand new, fresh merchandise and leisure gear as people are coming out of a relaxed time in terms of how we’d dress”, says Palesa.
For Palesa and her team, producing iconic wear and shapes that can fit a variety of moods and scenes in an easy-going and fun fashion is what drives the Mantsho brand to new heights. “I see us just growing from strength to strength – I have a tight and loyal team, a good following, and a wholesome brand, so the future is bright for us”.
