From having no clothes to donning opulent threads, this is the life story of Soweto-born designercum-fashionista Tshepo Pitso, writes
POPULARLY known by his street nickname, “Material Don Dada”, Tshepo Pitso’s passion for the finer things in life hasn’t gone unnoticed. This Soweto-born fashion designer, and influencer has a huge following among the fashion-forward youth of today.
The skhothane president strutted into our offices in a head-turning outfit: black and gold designer silk shirt paired with black pants, and Rossimoda gold shoes. He shielded his eyes from the light with Versace sunglasses. His look was rounded off with multiple gold chains and several finger rings. In his mid-20s, he recalls his rags-toriches journey. “Though I was born in Soweto, I grew up in the slums at Orange Farm and the situation was very bad. After completing matric, I moved back to Soweto where I’m currently based. Back then, we didn’t have decent clothes and by the time I could afford them, I made sure I aim for the big guns, nothing mediocre but designer clothes,” said Pitso. Izikhothane (a flashy group of young city men with a penchant for dancing, designer clothes and consumerism) first became popular in 2015 when young people would flaunt expensive designer clothes.
This plural catchphrase of skhothane, of course, was introduced by Pitso himself, who gave everyone with that skhothane potential the opportunity to flourish.
“I used to record videos of me and my friends dancing and share it on social media,” he said. “People would always comment, wanting to join. I invited everyone who loved the skhothane culture to meet up and record a killer video. We then formed a group called Sula Africa for dapper dressers. “Material culture was then formed and a lot of people started adding ‘material’ to their nicknames. When people see us on TV, they become motivated and it’s funny how this blew up because I don’t even know half of the people who are part of the ‘material’ culture.”
While many might think that izikhothane no longer exist, they’re very much trending and their style of flashy, opulent clothes are what most of the youth are wearing. Pitso managed to collaborate with international brand DMD Muracchini Linea Italiana and released a new collection with his signature, Don Dada.
“As a lover of DMD Muracchini Linea Italiana, I always wished they would come up with certain designs that would speak to the youth,” he said. “I approached them about two years ago because as a skhothane leader, I know what would appeal to other guys because we (the izikhothane) wear the brand with pride and wanted something of our own. In January this year, they approached me to seal the deal. I gave them my designs and the collection is now one of the best sellers,” he said.
His collection, Love to Love, which features bright colours, bold floral prints and a “hint of your inner”, softer side was inspired by the kasi guy in him. “With this collection, I looked at the old designs of the brand and improved them by adding some kasi flair,” Pitso said. Sometimes he incorporates non-designer clothes into his dapper outfits.
He’s also an artist who does 3D animation, 3D modelling, graphic design, radio and video
editing and web design.
Shop his new collection at www. dmditalia.co.za and check out his Instagram @ Material_dondada