He worked for years behind the scenes as a designer, cutter and seamster for award-winning fashion designer Otiz Seflo. Now, Themba Shadrack Tshabalala feels it is time for him to shine through his own brand, Lera V Design, which he officially launched recently. Themba has also styled the who’s who of this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July.
BOWING OUT
While working with Otiz Seflo, he designed garments for stars such as Thembis Seete, Nonku Williams, and the Real Housewives of Johannesburg’s LeJoy. “But of course, I can’t take all the credit because I was working under a brand as an employee. There is no love lost; however, we are not fighting,” Themba said. He leaves with the blessing of the founder, Otsile Kgosi. “I gained my knowledge and learned what I needed; it’s time for me to change and focus on myself. Hence the birth of Lera V Designs,” he told ZiMoja.
HIS VISION
His vision is to be international. “I can’t limit myself. I plan to do international shows in Milan, Paris, and other countries and not only focus on local celebrities. But I have stars lining up for my work, as we speak," he added. "Coming from QwaQwa in the Free State, I was always that weird boy playing with dolls instead of cars. I took that and turned it into art," he said.
