Can you tell us a little bit about what led you to start designing clothes? What led me to design clothes was when I read magazines and got inspiration from international brands such as Gucci and LV. I wanted to create my own style and uniqueness, so I chose to make African Couture clothes for myself and other children.
Your designs are unique, where do you source your design inspiration? My inspiration is sourced from my African culture attire magazines, and international shows, and my brand as a whole is inspired by bling, African cultures, and African prints
What’s your favourite part of designing clothing? My favorite stage in the design process is sketching the design.
Where do you source fabric for the designs you make? The fabrics I use on the African print garments I make are sourced from different fabric suppliers in downtown Johannesburg.
What is the most important element when you are designing clothing? In my opinion, and based on my experience, I think the most important element of design is the sketching process, as you have to think of new innovative ideas that haven’t been thought of before. Also, the construction of the garment is extremely important because value and quality is the key to growing a clothing brand.
What’s your must-have piece from your collection? The must-have garment in my most recent collection is the showstopper garment. It is aesthetic and the colours are bright and eye-catching. So it’s definitely a must-have for me.
You recently showcased at Fashion Without Borders AFRICA, how did you feel that you have your collection showcased at such an event? To have my 12 cultural collection pieces showcased at such an event was, for me, prestigious and nerve-racking. I was thankful for and proud of my models who supported and walked for me, making the garments blossom on stage.
Do you have any advice for young people that want to create their own clothing label? My advice to all young people dreaming to open a clothing label is, “Stay original and know who you are, the more original you are; the more unique you are. Last but not least, follow your dream irrespective of your age.”
How do you combine your schooling and designing your collections and the day-to-day running of the business? School is important to me so I usually juggle school, designing collections daily, my mom and aunty deal with orders and business matters weekly. I deal with some of my private clients on weekends, if need be.
What’s the future for Enhle Babes Couture? Where do you see the brand in 5 years’ time? Where I see EBC in the next 5 years is hosting my African Kids Fashion Week in my country working with different kids brands and opening my own boutique.
Who are your style icons, both past and present? My past and present icons and influencers such as Naomi Campbell, Kefilwe Mabote, and Shomadjozi.
What is your favorite item or two in your closet? My favorite item in my closet is my reversible bustier top, which is printed on one side and solid royal blue on the other
Who inspires you? My inspiration is the brand Maxhosa by Laduma as his brand embodies the Xhosa culture.
If you could change anything in the world what would it be? If I could it would be to change the way the world sees Africa.
What are your hobbies? My hobbies are drawing, tennis, designing, and reading.
What’s your favorite subject at school and why? My favorite subjects at school are Arts because I love drawing and Natural sciences because nature and bio are interesting to me.
Just for fun, what book are you currently reading and what are you listening to right now?
Book: XO by Jeffrey Deaver
Music: Everything I Wanted by Billie Eilish.
What motivational and inspirational quote inspires you most? “Art is the elimination of the unnecessary” – Pablo Picasso.
Keep up to date with new collections and fashion news from Enhle @enhlebabescouture
Enhle Runway show credits:
Photographer: MODEL HUB @modelhubbw
Stylist: Enhle and Desiree
Hair: BLM South Africa
Make-up: Avon South Africa
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Photography MODEL HUB @modelhubbw – All rights reserved.
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