Style Star – Quiteria Atelier

After designing an outfit for Beyoncé KnowlesCarter at the 2018 Global Citizen Festival, Quiteria Kekana is well on his way to changing the rules!

Where were you born and raised?

I was born Lebogang Quiteria Kekana in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, but raised in Blood River in Polokwane, Limpopo. Why did you choose fashion designing as a career?

Because of the influence from the women in my life while growing up. Additionally, everything around me at the time influenced my decision — from watching the fashion in popular soapie The Bold and

the Beautiful to studying dance. I’ve always loved, and been inspired by beauty. How would you describe your personal style?

My style is luxury, class and sophistication personified. I always try to design clothing that is relevant and modern. Fashion comes and goes, but style and class are timeless. When did you get your first big break?

Working with the Global Citizen Festival and designing an outfit for Beyoncé really opened doors for me. Tell us more about the Quiteria Atelier brand.

Quiteria Atelier is more than just a rural boy’s dream. It’s also about realising the dreams of others, and helping them feed their families. It’s about being able to go head-to-head with international designers, and prove that Africans can also be sophisticated. What are you most proud of in your career,?

Dressing Beyoncé, one of the biggest music icons in the world. But mostly, I’m proud of being able to wake up daily and

do what I love. Helping others also brings me great joy.

What is your favourite part of being a fashion designer?

Seeing a garment come to life, from start to finish; seeing a piece of fabric turning into a character that can change how you feel about yourself. That truly is powerful!

What skills do you need in order to be a successful designer?

Passion; when you love something, it becomes easy to learn the technicalities and master the craft. It all begins with love.

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before starting your career, what would it be?

Shut out the noise and focus, live your dreams and don’t worry too much about tomorrow. Things will always work themselves out.

If you had the chance to collaborate with an international designer, who would it be?

The late Alexander McQueen and Karl Lagerfeld.

How do you want women to feel when wearing your clothes?

Luxurious, regal, soft and feminine, just like a flower. Think of a rose – not only is it beautiful, but it also smells amazing. And, that’s not all; it’s also strong and can prick you with its thorns!

What excites you most about fashion?

The evolution of it all. When trends go, they always

make a comeback in a different form.

If you had the opportunity to be someone else for a day, who would it be and why?

Quiteria. I’ll always be Quiteria. Even though my influence comes from different things, I love being me.

Was there any rookie mistake you made in the early days? If so, what was it?

Going into a partnership was one of the biggest mistakes I made along the way. This resulted in a clash of ideas, and everyone had their own vision of what they wanted to put in their work.

What is working in the fashion industry like?

You have to be a visionary in this industry. You have to create new things and always ask yourself, ‘what is it that you, as an artist, can contribute to the world creatively?’

What motto do you live by at the moment?

Believe and invest in your dream, and take chances.

What is the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Always be true to yourself, and stand your ground.

What gets your creative juices flowing?

My fellow South Africans, our diversity and beautiful cultures that our country offers.

What would you like to achieve in 2020?

I would like to open a branch in Paris, France.

What projects are you currently working on?

I can’t say too much at this stage, but do look out for groundbreaking things! Follow the Quiteria Atelier Instagram page: quiteria_atelier1 where all will be revealed.