Orapeleng Modutle. Picture: Instagram Orapeleng Modutle. Picture: Instagram
Fast becoming one of South Africa’s most recognisable designers, Orapeleng Modutle is making a name for himself as a young creative.
For the 30-year-old, fashion in Africa has become a global business.
He made it onto the 2018 Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Young Creatives list and wants to use the opportunity to popularise Africa.
“Our continent is becoming a frontier of opportunity as both a source of fabrics and a consumer market for fashion,” he says.
Modutle says fashion is always going through change in direction, silhouette and mood.
“I strongly believe that my design aesthetic is that of a game-changer.
“I am a firm believer in doing things differently as a fashion designer and always come up with innovative ideas that introduce new ways of thinking when it comes to fashion,” he says.
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He was honoured for the recognition of being named in the Forbes list and aimed to remain consistent in making sure his brand continued to grow.
The founder of Orapeleng Modutle Style Avenue says that building his brand as a fashion designer has always been about knowing what he wanted to achieve in the long run.
“It’s imperative to have a clear identity of the kind of woman that represents my brand,” he notes.
“There is an over- saturation of product, so it’s really important that you decide what your brand is about, rather than putting work out there that has to compete with more work.
“Immediately when you know your brand ethos, your business is headed to great ventures.”
Growing up in Phuthanang, a small town near Kimberley, Modutle watched his mother and grandmother do some hand sewing as a hobby.
“I got extremely fascinated by the process of making clothes by hand, and during my high school years I did extensive research on fashion design,” he says.
While climbing the ladder of fashion success, he says the business aspect of fashion isn’t an easy road.
“Starting any business without decent capital is not easy, considering that it is a capital-intensive investment,” he says.
He tells The Star that legends in the business, such as David Tlale, are the kind of pioneering entrepreneurs who he looks up to.
“I developed my love for fashion and drew a lot of inspiration that it is possible to build an empire as a young black man in Africa,” he says.
“Other people I look up to are the likes of Nthato Mashishi, Felipe Mazibuko and Simon Doonan (creative ambassador-at-large of Barneys New York).”
With a diploma in fashion design and internship experience at Stoned Cherrie, by Nkhensani Nkosi, Modutle managed to secure a job as a pattern maker for the label.
Modutle received mentorship from Nkosi and grasped the necessary business skills that helped him become the shining star and force that he is today.
He has dressed some of the best in the entertainment industry, including Bonang Matheba, Thando Thabethe, Minnie Dlamini, Pearl Modiadie and the Nigerian media darling Toke Makinwa.
With South African Fashion Week coming up in October, Modutle says fashion enthusiasts can expect interesting elements to his creations.
“Although your goal may be to produce the best clothing and produce stunning collections, it’s more important for you to have the best clothing business team members in place,” he points out.