Wild child

| Friday February 24, 2012 00:00

Designer’s name      : Mummy Doreen Molapo

Date of birth            : November 3, 1987

Home village           : Lobatse but I was born in Kanye.

Level of education     :Honours Degree in Fashion, KZN Durban, South Africa.  I completed my studies in 2010. Last year I had an opportunity to work as an assistant designer in South Africa before returning home at the end of July 2011.

Mmegi: Do you have your own clothing line?

Molapo: Yes, I have my own clothing line, Spruce, which I am busy with at the moment.  I am busy registering my label and company.  I am dealing with clients and trying to sell my line.  I want to understand the Botswana market.  I just love the freedom of not working and the challenge it brings.  This allows me to be as creative as I want to be.

Mmegi: Do you have new designs in stock?

Molapo: Just a few things.  I did most of my items for my final year at school.  The rest are from other school projects.  I have a collection that I showcased at Maru-a-Pula 40th anniversary and family fun day party.

Mmegi: Are your designs influenced by new fashion trends?

Molapo: I try to incorporate trends into my designs but it’s mostly what a client wants.  I love trends and I try to follow them because they sell.

Mmegi: What inspires you?

Molapo: There are a lot of things that inspire me.  It would take the whole day to explain them; from buildings, vacations, people, culture to colour.  I mostly go with what I think will sell after doing a little market research.  It can be music, trends, fabrics, dance or flowers; just anything as long as it speaks to me.

Mmegi: What inspires your designs in terms of colour or texture?  Do you use a specific colour as your signature?

Molapo: When designing, I become a wild child.  I let my creativity run wild.  Then I take the Botswana market into consideration. I love crafts.  I always do macramé, pleats, tucks and a whole lot more, unless a client wants something else.

Mmegi: What are the challenges faced by fashion designers in Botswana?

Molapo: I am not sure about that.  All I know is that artists do not hire clothing for their video shoots.  They wear Mr Price or Foschini clothing.  They promote international brands at the expense of local ones.  I think with determination and perseverance, we will get there.  I believe hard work pays, no matter the circumstances.

Mmegi: How is the design industry for newcomers in Botswana?

Molapo: It is hard I don’t want to lie, very hard.  I think I will rather do something I love rather that what I don’t.  Passion does not have to be sacrificed for money.  If we have the courage, faith and love for what we do, we will get there.  Everything starts from scratch.  As a newcomer if you want to go places you have to sell yourself first.  It’s just that we are lazy and scared of challenges.

Mmegi: Do you design for individuals who place orders with their own specifications?

Molapo: It is hard for us to produce something fresh for Batswana.  We always give them a copy of something from other countries.  I always try to change some of their design specifications to my own signature touch rather than copy someone else’s.  I have gone around shops to sell myself, and I pin my hopes on one boutique whose name I will reveal once we reach an agreement.  I am a designer, not a tailor.  I always tell my clients that I don’t copy designs, I make my own.  No matter what I make, it always has my touch.

Mmegi: What are your future plans?

Molapo: There are many things I want to do.  Resources permitting I will open a factory in Lobatse soon and supply small boutiques around the country before aiming for international markets.  I will love to produce wedding gowns and evening wear for special events.