When Lebogang 'Quiteria' Kekana was alive, he was a designer to the stars.He dressed the likes of Makhadzi, Lady Du, Mbali Mhlotshwa, Dineo Langa, Nandi Mbatha, and made an international breakthrough when he dressed Beyonce at the Global Citizen Festival held in Johannesburg.
But it seems, he has gone to the grave with his talent.

FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS

The Quiteria Atelier designer died on April 17 this year, after a short battle with cancer, ending his childhood dream of having a legacy brand.  After his death, his family vowed to continue running his fashion studio in Melville, Jozi where he hired a staff compliment of ten.
His family wished for his name to remain in the history books of South African fashion, but that dream has since disappeared as they struggle to keep the business afloat.
The tables have since turned, and the family admits that they wish the business could have continued but due to financial constraints, they have had to close shop.
"It's' been tough," says Quiteria's brother, Vincente Moet Kekana who has taken over as Creative Director.
"We have had to shut the studio down due to lack of funds. Clients re no longer coming as they miss Quiteria's touch" he says.
"We tried to continue working and making money, but things have not been the same since he died. We have had to give up the house in Melville, where he lived as well as the studio and we have been operating from our home in Soweto."

LETTING GO OF STAFF

Vincente is hoping that things will change soon.
"We are hopeful. There are people who have been assisting us with funds here and there to keep the business running. The family is optimistic, and we will not let Quiteria's dream die. But for now, we are really struggling and we need help," he adds.
Vincente says closing the business down was not something his brother would not have wanted.
"We have had to let go of staff members whose families were dependent on us and we are also not in a good space," he says.
Quiteria Atelier has always been a family business and we will continue working, as he would have wanted. Mama Violet Kekana and I have been running the ship ever since Quiteria started becoming ill and he trusted us with making sure things are done in true Quiteria style."