Thobeka Mbane Look
Image courtesy: Sathia Pather

South Africa’s fashion scene is ablaze with creativity, and at the forefront stands Thobeka Mbane, an acclaimed stylist shaping the industry.

Early Passion and Rise to Stardom: Raised in Emthatha, inspired by her fashionable mother, Mbane’s early love for fashion blossomed into a successful career. With a keen eye for detail, she transitioned from helping friends choose outfits to styling stars like Zozibini Tunzi and Sho Madjozi.

Fashion as Freedom: For Mbane, fashion is synonymous with freedom and self-expression. Her journey from self-discovery to a thriving career is rooted in her love for color and the ability to convey emotions through fashion.

Creative Collaborations at Soweto Fashion Week: Recently collaborating with Be Beautiful Hair at Soweto Fashion Week, Mbane seamlessly blended fashion and hairstyling. Embracing creative freedom, she curated looks that complemented the striking hairstyles, emphasizing the interconnected beauty of clothes, hair, makeup, and accessories.

Memorable Moments: Among her standout projects, Mbane highlights styling Black Coffee’s visuals for his Madison Square show in New York as a pinnacle. These visuals are set to play in all his shows for the coming year, marking a significant achievement in her career.

Challenges in the South African Fashion Industry: Reflecting on the state of South Africa’s fashion industry, Mbane identifies a lack of resources as a hindrance to its full potential. Limited support for designers and insufficient funds often impede the creation of desired looks.

Personal Style Insights: Mbane, the editor of “Previdar” magazine, shares her personal style preferences. Advocating for understanding one’s body shape, she encourages wardrobe essentials like jeans and solid-colored clothes for versatile styling. Rejecting skinny jeans in 2023, she affirms the timeless appeal of denim and leather.

Top 5 Fashion Tips from Thobeka Mbane:

  1. Understand your body shape for flattering looks.
  2. Own wardrobe basics for versatile styling.
  3. Prioritize comfort in your clothing choices.
  4. Balance trendy and timeless pieces in your wardrobe.
  5. Embrace your body, set your own style.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The IOL News