Work in Progress

Prototypes of Khothatso L Tsotetsi, less resticted to inspiration.

Gowns

Layered beaded lace top gown, drew attention in the vaal on the 14th March 2012.

Media Publications

Most appreciated feature in the June issue of the Marie Claire 2012.  Shrug by Khothatso L Tsotetsi.

JoBurg Fashion Week 2012 [Day 1]: AFI’s Fast Track Designers Show.

Mercedes Benz Joburg Fashion Week hosted the Fastrack Development platform for 12 Fashion Design students from different institutions around the country, (07/03/12) at Hydepark corner Rooftop.

SOWETAN

Khothatso's refreshing new take on fashion

MAR 7, 2012 | MAMODIMA MONNAKGOTLA | 

Mix of street culture and haute couture on the ramp from today

AIMING HIGH: Khothatso Laurence Tsotetsi

OLD HAND: David Tlale

ASPIRANT designer Khothatso Laurence Tsotetsi has a fascinating take on fashion.

He believes that fashion is - figuratively a natural habitat: "It's a place you live in ..."

Clothes are: " The first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning and the last thing when you go to sleep at night."

The Tshwane University of Technology student is expected to test his theories in the African Fashion International's (AFI) Fastrack Programme of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week that takes place at Hyde Park, Johannesburg, from today.

Businesswoman Precious Moloi-Motsepe leads the AFI.

Vereeniging-born Tsotetsi is also one of 11 finalists from design education and training institutions across South Africa vying for the top three spots in a related competition for brainy, aspirant designers.

If he makes it, he will be awarded a R10,000 cash prize, an internship with an established fashion designer and an opportunity to launch a collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa 2012.

The young man's fashion career began while he was in Grade 8 when he bought a sewing machine with his savings.

"I bought my first domestic machine without my parents' consent and my mother wasn't pleased," Tsotetsi says.

He started off sewing scatter cushions and curtains and also making alterations to clothes free of charge.

After matric, Tsotetsi went to university to study fashion design.

"My first year was really hard. It wasn't all glitz and glam," he says.

In his third year, Tsotetsi won the Best Innovative and Best Entrepreneurial range in TUT's annual competition.

He has also been an intern with Clive Rundell and has worked with Archibald Monyepao of Monarchy Couture.

Now he sews wedding gowns, matric dance dresses and unique fashion for his clients.

Tsotetsi's range for Fastrack is colourful and versatile. It is a mixture of street culture and haute couture.

"A woman's life in a day - from morning to evening. Some of my colours are pink, yellow and turquoise blue.

"I tried to use all kinds of fabrics, including leather and fur. Expect not to be disappointed."

Eco Design Initiative 2010 Winner

The winners of the Eco Design Competition 2010:

Khothatso Tsotetsi for Hoody by Farm – Environmentally Friendly Fashion

The design was inspired by the farmers that carry bags on their backs with plants and seeds in them. However, the designer interpreted the functionality to produce a unique design: a buttoned hoody that will serve as a carrier for seeds that will be used for planting.

“Hoody by Farm aims to encourage subsistence farming and urban guerrilla planting for a sustainable future!”