Mangaung
Vusi Majale’s talents as a fashion designer have taken him from the dusty streets of Bloemfontein to the marble floors of Italy’s catwalks at Torino Fashion Week.
Majale admits that it was a friend of his, during his time in high school, who recognised his talent and has never looked back.
“I used to sell beaded necklace and rings to make cash in high school. I was introduced to fashion by a close friend of mine because she saw what I didn’t see in me,” Majale said.
His hard work paid off when the Department of Economic Development took him and other fashion designers on a week long stay to Italy to showcase their talent.
“In 2018, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) wanted designers to showcase in Italy from June 24 until July 5. My clothing line K Couture was selected and I got the opportunity to go to the Torino fashion week in Italy to showcase my clothing line.
The trip also gave me an opportunity to see what other countries are doing in terms of fashion. We attended workshops everyday while we were in Italy and most importantly, we had an opportunity to showcase what we are capable of in South Africa,” Majale said.
He has four employees, two permanently employed while the other two are working on a part time basis. His time in the Bel Paese paid dividends. In 2022, K Couture won the Grand Thabure Event held at the Middle Water Farm.
The following year, Majale was one of the four contestants who won a Department of Economic Development competition and went to Cape Town where they were taught about retail, manufacturing and textiles.
He cites finance as one stumbling block in the industry. “Securing funding for our retail line, such as fabrics, trimming, haberdashery remains a challenge. K Couture has ventured into retail where every season we need produce close to 60 to 80 units,” said Majale. His clothes can be found at Anenda at the Loch Logan mall in Bloemfontein.
