HAT fashion is big and should be taken seriously says Thembi Mabule, one of the few black milliners in the country.
Mabule, who has dominated fashion houses since she launched her amazing hat business in 2008, says milliners battle to showcase their work.
"The millinery industry is not recognised in South Africa like it is in Italy, England and Australia. We are not independent. We have to depend on fashion designers, who give us the platform to showcase our work. We should have our own fashion week specifically for hats," she says.
Mabule says hat designers usually don't have a say on how their work is shown.
"Most milliners currently use websites to showcase their work and that is not enough."
Fortunately, Mabule's exclusive designs have not gone unnoticed. She has made hats for parliamentarians, individuals and celebrities Uyanda Mbuli and Sophie Ndaba.
The University of Johannesburg graduate has also exhibited at Sanlam Fashion Week.
She has also been featured in local and international fashion media.
Her plan is to work closely with up-and-coming fashion designers to expose the millinery industry.
"There is more to millinery than just making wedding hats. People can specialise in different kinds of hats. It is a career on its own and it should be exposed to young people. Hats can be worn daily, even when going to work, as long as it's the right look and is worn correctly," Mabule says.
On July 21, Mabule will launch her first hats boutique in Pretoria.
"Finally my dream is coming true. All my hard work is beginning to pay off now. I'm so excited and looking forward to serving my clients the best way I know how," she says.
Milliner Thembi's dream about to come true
HAT fashion is big and should be taken seriously says Thembi Mabule, one of the few black milliners in the country.
Mabule, who has dominated fashion houses since she launched her amazing hat business in 2008, says milliners battle to showcase their work.
"The millinery industry is not recognised in South Africa like it is in Italy, England and Australia. We are not independent. We have to depend on fashion designers, who give us the platform to showcase our work. We should have our own fashion week specifically for hats," she says.
Mabule says hat designers usually don't have a say on how their work is shown.
"Most milliners currently use websites to showcase their work and that is not enough."
Fortunately, Mabule's exclusive designs have not gone unnoticed. She has made hats for parliamentarians, individuals and celebrities Uyanda Mbuli and Sophie Ndaba.
The University of Johannesburg graduate has also exhibited at Sanlam Fashion Week.
She has also been featured in local and international fashion media.
Her plan is to work closely with up-and-coming fashion designers to expose the millinery industry.
"There is more to millinery than just making wedding hats. People can specialise in different kinds of hats. It is a career on its own and it should be exposed to young people. Hats can be worn daily, even when going to work, as long as it's the right look and is worn correctly," Mabule says.
On July 21, Mabule will launch her first hats boutique in Pretoria.
"Finally my dream is coming true. All my hard work is beginning to pay off now. I'm so excited and looking forward to serving my clients the best way I know how," she says.
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