Gugu Sibiya

Gugu Sibiya

Obakeng Ramabodu, the extroverted designer and owner of OB Fitted, will put his best foot forward today when he unveils his mini collection for the media and celebrities at the State Theatre in Pretoria at 7pm.

Fashionistas will decide whether he is a man to add to their fashion black book or to boast about at the salon as they undergo manicures and pedicures with their equally egocentric friends.

Tonight will either make or break him. He could suddenly find himself flooded by celebs, fashionistas and socialites whose main aim in this competitive arena is to outshine each other's outfits over and above succeeding in their chosen crafts.

Ramabodu, who concedes to have been inspired by Nhlanhla Nciza and Theo Kgosinkwe of Mafikizolo with their vintage look, says that his collection will reflect this influence. The two make good music but it's also their unique vintage look that makes them stand out.

"I will play with the fabrics and lean back on the styles that made the legendary Miriam Makeba, Abigail Kubeka, and Dorothy Masuka the fashion and elegance icons of the Sophiatown era. They had style and panache, and they carried their outfits in a manner that still impresses. I am young but I am caught up in that 50s magical era and style.

"I may not boast world-class facilities that make great designers stand out, but I have the will, the drive, the youth and energy to realise my dreams. I plan on getting in and taking over. I don't want to be 'in' today and forgotten tomorrow.

"Everybody was raving about Tshedi Mholo's outfit at the J&B Met, but nothing much was said about the designer, Jeff. It would have been nice because then it would have given him a chance to establish himself. I want to dress personalities but I also want them to give me exposure that will put me up there with the likes of David Tlale and Stoned Cherrie."

Unfortunately for other fashion lovers, entry is only by invitation.