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MAKING HEADS TURN: Palesa Mocuminyane in her post-bridal boutique. photo: Sibusiso Msibi

 Celebrity and high-profile brides and their bridesmaids used to come to my house for fittings 

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AT FIRST glance house number 100 in Sandton Drive, Sandton, north of Johannesburg, looks like any other house in the leafy suburb - but a close look reveals its glamour, class and beauty.

The place houses former Generations actress and Gospel Gold host Palesa Mocuminyane's bridal boutique, called House of Fashion Stars.

For Mocuminyane fulfilling a woman's "dressing-up" fantasy is a full-time job.

The posh boutique has been in business for less than a month, but it is already frequented by many celebrities and high-class individuals.

Mocuminyane, who says she has been obsessed with fashion since she was a child, started the business working from her home.

She spent years building herself up and the fashion elite is starting to take notice.

"Celebrity and high-profile brides and their bridesmaids used to come to my house for fittings. They didn't mind at all because for them it was a private, homely and relaxed atmosphere, but my family wanted their privacy. So I decided to open a boutique that would give my clients the same homely feel."

Many of her clients who are in the public eye a lot enjoy shopping in privacy. This boutique offers that as well as a personalised service.

The 36-year-old Mocuminyane says the business constantly keeps her on her toes. She has to use her creativity every day - from creating displays to putting together knock-out ensembles for customers who value her expert advice. It is great to be in a business "where every day is a special occasion", she says.

"Since we deal with chic people who value personal service, attention, a cozy ambiance and unique merchandise that only a boutique can offer, you have to know your business.

"Remember, the bride will be spending more money on this dress than any other dress during her lifetime," says the mother of three, who also has a child with dancer Somizi Mhlongo.

Mocuminyane says she does not only cater for brides and bridesmaids, she sells or hires accessories as well.

"House of Fashion Stars is also a must-stop for celebrity stylists and their clients when they are preparing for the red carpet," she says. "We have a great selection of items from up-and-coming local designers and some of the stuff is hand-picked overseas. We also have African-inspired bridal items."

She says she has to be on top of her game in every respect because boutique owners are insiders to fashion trends long before the general public is.

Mocuminyane says she caters for customers who like to stand out from the crowd.

"We cater for the woman who wants to make heads turn when she enters a room," says Mocuminyane, who has big dreams for the future.

She says her business strategy is to succeed in the bridal gown industry first and then to expand into other areas, including smart clothes for grooms. - johnz@sowetan.co.za

Go to our Wedding Blog to see galleries of our lovely brides and their weddings. If you would like your wedding to be on the blog send good quality jpeg pics, that are at least 800 pixels wide to tellus@sowetan.co.za. Enjoy!

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Comments

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Mon May 20 14:38:41 SAST 2013 ::

May 10, 2012

Dandan

hoooo crasy how many ppl get married after three/six months , asingeni lezo sishaya i vat n set la
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May 10, 2012

TKay

She has a baby with Somizi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! tell me you are joking.....
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May 10, 2012

Shredder

@TKay
She has a baby with Somizi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! tell me you are joking.....
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What the...? Love is truly blind. You see, this is why I h @ t e this g@.ys and lesbi.@n.s shyte. Somizi was a gent.leman and gave Palesa a baby, now he has found out who he is and he is g @ y. Nxa!!!

Tjo!! Sh oc ked. Palesa, Somizi tota?? Ai truly love is blind.
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May 10, 2012

Rakgadi-Tabeya

who also has a child with dancer Somizi Mhlongo
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Sowetan re a itse and ke taba ya kgale e......do you really have to mention this everytime the article is about Palesa...... aag suka man nxa
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May 10, 2012

Jujubaby

Yah Sowetan wa dibusa tjoooo..... Did u really have to mention dat? Take into consideration dat she's married now.....Anyway..is this a celebrity thing....If acting or singing doesn't workout for them, they go for designer of spectacles nd shades or clothing designers.......
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May 10, 2012

sabza007

Come on guys, she had an affair with Somizi long time ago, before Somizi became g.a.y.Give her a break. She has a nice body though.I liked her acting in ''Neighbours'', from e.tv Ekasi stories.
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May 10, 2012

Papage

How does a baby with Somizi has to do with her Lovely business? You go girl, I will bring my girl there too.
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