Tips on fashioning a top career
Khothatso Tsotetsi, the force behind the fashion house Tsotetsi KL Designs, talks to Thekiso Anthony Lefifi about the financial challenges facing the fashion industry, being compared with European designers and how he spends his money
Does fashion designing really bring fortune, or just fame? And which is important for you?
With hard work, it can potentially give you both. Fortune is important to me because the bottom line is business. If you do not cash in, then there is no point grooming talent. I would rather have an A4 publication of my work than an A9 picture of myself.
Are fashion designers in South Africa respected or glorified as much as their counterparts in Europe or the US?
Not at all. I think South African designers are treated more like kids in the international fashion industry — not in a bad way, though. The respect given to designers overseas is more credible since they have influence on a global platform.
Are young designers paid well enough early on in their careers?
Young fashion designers aren’t paid well at all. The start could be R3 000. If you don’t have the experience, you don’t get the job; if you have the experience, you get the job.
Are the international brands that are entering South Africa killing fashion boutiques and, eventually, South African designers’ careers?
Drastically so — they come with bigger budgets [and] take 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.
Is the fashion industry growing in South Africa and in the rest of Africa?
I would say it’s on a par with other countries in Africa. South African consumers have grown comfortable with their own traditions and religions. Consumers are taking note of South African designers to a point where a South African designer will invest in researching more about African fabrics and also invest in local resources for production.
How important are fashion weeks, and what do they cost? Can all designers afford them?
They cost quite a lot of money. More than R10 000, excluding fabric costs, production, labour, and so on. In a nutshell, the relevance is positive in terms of national recognition and consistency. However, it does not guarantee business. Unfortunately, not all designers can afford it. I can’t speak on their behalf, but young designers might have an interest in showing — although proving themselves this way might be an even longer route.
What is your advice to youngsters starting out?
Most important would be the quality of work that is carried out in the craft. Focusing on the craft and refining it would offer a better chance. It is wiser to always confidently be in a position where you don’t have to defend your work — rather let your work speak for itself.
How do you deal with the egos of other designers, models and their agents, fashion week organisers, and so on?
I take it with a pinch of salt. Retaliating will only make me weaker. By being kind and humble, I defeat their ammunition.
How do you deal with criticism?
Criticism is the best policy to growth; it’s like stirring your coffee twice to the left and once to the right for a better taste. I take criticism and apply it in my profession. Also, seeing things through other people’s eyes helps me grow as an individual.
Are you an easy tipper, or do waiters have to work hard for it?
I’m neither an easy tipper, nor do they have to work hard for it. If they do their job, I’ll play my role.
What is the one thing you have carelessly spent tons of money on?
Fabric, fabric, fabric, fabric and more fabric.
How do you invest your money?
I invest in my own business and a savings account.