LiSwati designer links up with K.O
Love is an energy which exists of itself. It is its own value. -
MBABANE- Patience has become a very rewarding virtue for 27-year-old tailor and fashion enthusiast Banele David Mthembu.
The designer received recognition from his lifelong idol, ‘Skhanda love’ hit-maker and wellknown South African rapper, K.O.
From a very early age, Mthembu described, having challenges with ready-made clothes as he’d always need alterations because he’s petite. As he grew older he started making his own alterations which amplified his fascination and deep interest in fashion designing. He definitely has the talent in his bloodline seeing that he ‘inherited’ the gift from his late grandmother. He went on to enrol at Ezulwini National Handcraft Training Centre (NHTC) for four years.
Mthembu got the opportunity to see this new found fascination for threads landing him a one on one session with South African rapper K.O and his management team. Back in December 2018, K.O was set to perform in the country, and Mthembu saw that as an opportunity to present his ideas to his idol, seeing that the rapper is also a style and fashion mogul. It was a risk that relied solely on hope but Mthembu took it.
He got to the event and waited all night to get a chance to meet K.O or his team. “I was nervous waiting backstage for his performance to end, but after his performance, he was escorted away from the fans to a secured VIP section of the event. Not to be discouraged I found means to catch his manager’s attention, he loved my brief presentation and told me to stick around as he would get me a sit-down with the artist,” He went on to say eventually he got a chance to see the rapper and he loved his work. The rapper advised him to keep pushing and to keep in touch.
Some would have been discouraged as he had
Tailor and fashion enthusiast Banele David Mthembu. a line for the talented rapper? Mthembu is currently busy with the line, which he will present to the rapper when he’s done.
Tsholofelo Moremedi who manages the rapper advised Mthembu that if his line is brilliant there might be a possible collaboration with the rapper’s clothing line. (K.O also has his own clothing line). When reached for comment Moremedi said they have met the designer three times. “We were fascinated by Mthembu’s work and passion for fashion, he has a great future ahead of him,” said the rapper’s manager.
Mthembu is currently working on a collection that will be presented immediately after completion. He’ll be working with local models and is currently looking for the best beauticians in the country. “I’ve integrated vintage and new age fashion trends, it’s going to be epic,”
said Mthembu.