Former Generations actress and Gospel Gold host Palesa Mocuminyane is running a bridal boutique
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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Making brides radiant
Former Generations actress and Gospel Gold host Palesa Mocuminyane is running a bridal boutique
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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