Written by: Mfundo Knowledge Mthembu

Durban University of Technology (DUT) fashion student, Katekani Moreku, showcased his designs on Saturday at Wavehouse in Gateway as he is among ten young designers who were chosen as finalists at the Vodacom Durban July Fashion Experience earlier this month. .

The competition was indeed a tough one as 25 talented young designers went head-to-head to be selected for the top ten finalists who would compete for this year’s Vodacom Durban July Young Designers Awards.

“It is an amazing feeling; you don’t usually get this type of opportunity. To actually make it to the top ten was something different. Because out of 25, to make it to the top ten is enough for me even if I don’t get the number one I would still have that consolation,” said Moreku, second year fashion student.

From a qualified electrical engineer to fashion designing, Moreku said it was a funny story on how he got into fashion but little did he know that this type of career was a perfect fit for him.

“My parents made me study electrical engineering but the thing is I would always dress up to the engineering school, so people were like I should do fashion design. After I completed my diploma in engineering I decided I am going to do fashion design,” added Moreku.

He now has the best support system of family and friends who have influenced him to his chosen career.

Moreku added that his friends have always wanted him to make them outfits because they will also be attending the Durban July. He added that he is still shocked with the level of support he’s received from his peers.

With every design there has been an inspiration behind it and Moreku certainly believes that phrase. His garment that won him the spot to the top ten was inspired by the official theme of the VDJ.

“Given the theme ‘The Colour of Magic’, I had to come up with something different but something that is me because I am a very colourful person. What I did was looked at the circus canvas’s as there are so many different things that happen there but they still exude one magical feeling,” said Moreku.

He said that he decided to take different patterns and bright colours and he mixed them together to bring out one thing, which is the magic.

Moreku may still be a student but he is doing exceptionally well and indeed has his eyes on the bigger prize.

“Basically I make clothes based on what the client needs because I am still a student and I just want to perfect myself first so I can produce quality stuff,” said Moreku.

He envisions being a brand and force to be reckoned with and is seemingly on the right path to such success.

“I think every designer wants to be like every other successful designer in the future but I just feel like for myself personally, I need to gather the right experience first, network, meet people and produce good quality garments in the future,” explained Moreku.

He concluded that for now he is a fan of Thom Browne and anything Asian.

*Caption: Katekani Moreku’s design being showcased at the Vodacom Durban July Preview at the Wavehouse, Gateway.