25-04-2025
The Hangout: Sewing dreams together one stitch at a time: TSHEPO
Kerry-anne Allerston
Image: Supplied
EVERY time you hear a success story. A story where somebody had a dream. A big dream. And the dream came true. You think to yourself… self, where am I going wrong? Where is the dream factory and where do I submit mine? Well, I think it's a recipe with many ingredients, this whole success thing. I think it needs equal parts bravery, belief, confidence, talent, hard work, passion, support and that little bit of crazy. Remember The A-Team? Yip, it's so crazy it might just work. You've gotta take the plunge and just go for it. You may fail but you might just fly.
Tshepo Mohlala, the founder and creative director of Tshepo Jeans. Mohlala abandoned his film studies at AFDA and headed to the University of Johannesburg to study fashion. . Picture: Supplied
Image: Supplied
That's exactly what an inspirational South African did. He abandoned his film studies at AFDA and headed to the University of Johannesburg to study fashion. This youngster worked hard and he had a certain tenacity about him and a whole lotta talent. Inspired by family, community and Jozi city he channeled his creative juices and decided his medium in the art he was creating would be denim. Takalani, always adorned in denim, was this entrepreneur's aunt.
She wore denim so well and he began to understand that jeans become a part of you as you wear them telling your story as it soaks into that thick cotton fabric. This trailblazer and fashion designer also speaks to luxury as something that was once divisive but now, through his story and his garments, he hopes to foster special connections bringing the people of South Africa together through a shared appreciation of heritage and culture. I'm talking about a brand that hopes to represent South Africa on a world stage.
A brand that strives for excellence in everything it does through meticulous craftsmanship and quality built to last. They are all about sustainability ensuring that their processes and products are ethically and responsibly made while blending traditional techniques with modern design. A crown forms part of the logo and the three prongs represent the three women who raised and inspired this brand. They were the driving force behind what came next. TSHEPO had a dream which came true.
Tshepo Mohlala said his aunt is the inspiration behind his brand and that she would visit them in Tsakane dressed head-to-toe in denim. She ignited his interest in fashion and love for denim.
Image: Supplied
