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#YouthMonth: Q&A with Palesa Mokubung
23 Jun 2016
Award-winning designer and creator of Afro-chic fashion label Mantsho, Palesa Mokubung chats to us for #YouthMonth about her newly opened store, as well as fashion and youth culture in SA.
Can you explain the process of opening the recent Mantsho Lifestyle store and what the response has been like?
The response has been amazing, people have been very receptive of the store. The process was fun and everything fell into its place. I’m very creative and I love spaces. The process was guided and easy if I may say so, yet challenging.
What has been a career highlight for you?
I’ve had so many, but one the most surreal moments of my career has been opening the store.
What trends are you currently into?
The athletic wear/sportswear. I’ve always loved it and I still find it appealing.
How would you describe the SAFW 15/16 Autumn/Winter Collection?
The Autumn/Winter collection is warm yet playful, bold and daring with a lot of rhythm and a few tribal elements to it.
Which other local designers inspire you?
The founders of The Space being Amanda Laird Cherry and Colleen Eitzen.
What kind of women do you see wearing your clothes?
Style leaders amongst their group.
There are so many new career options and paths for young people today. What would be your advice for any youngster trying to forge his own path?
I would say: “Do what comes easy and follow your heart, because in the long run it becomes challenging yet fulfilling!
Which social media channel is your favourite?
Facebook is good for sales, Instagram is fun because it’s colorful, but I like Pinterest too. I don’t tweet.
What are your thoughts on Generation Z?
Parents need to buckle up. These youngsters are so smart and have so much access to the world, so much good yet so much bad. They are a blessed generation, with that said so much responsibility for them and their parents because not everything in this world is good for them, hence parental control needs to be on speed dial. Parents need to be teachers as well as students since technology has progressed.
If you could travel back in time and give a message to your teenage self, what would it be?
I would say: Self, you’re cooler than you think you are and it’s okay to be different. Don’t compare yourself to anyone and stay rare.
What is your favorite emoji?
The laughing emoji with tears amuses me.
The Mantsho Lifestyle store is situated in 27 Boxes, Melville
