Mdantsane designer Siviwe Ntleki is taking his ethnic inspired designs to the fashion runways of New York and Canada.
Ntleki has been invited to showcase his work at the Plitzs New York City Fashion Week and again in Toronto, Canada.
“I am excited about these opportunities. It is always great meeting other designers and being able to meet with other African designers that are doing big things,” he said.
This is not the first time Ntleki has taken his work abroad.
Last year he was the only South African designer featured at the international African Fashion Week in Toronto.
Last year Ntleki was supported by the Small Enterprise Development Agency, Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council to go overseas.
“I have sent out letters to various departments again this year to make these trips possible.”
Since his last visit to Toronto last year, Ntleki said he had made connections with some of the designers based there and hoped to have his work on display permanently there.
His designs are ethnic-inspired garments, which use print and bright colours. For each show he creates a unit set of garments which would complement the season.
“I haven’t worked on any designs yet but I have started buying fabric that I will use. I will start to work on my designs next week.
“Each fashion show allows the designer to represent their brand in any way they want to. There are no limits – I just have to do the best garments,” he said.
Ntleki started designing as a hobby but that later turned into a thriving business.
In 2009 he opened his own brand, Revamped Kuts, and is currently operating in his backyard studio in Mdantsane.
He has been part of the Eastern Cape Fashion Week and numerous other shows in other parts of the country.
In 2010 he was featured on SABC1’s Ses’khona as one of Eastern Cape’s budding fashion designers.
Ntleki said through these international fashion shows, he hoped to grow his business and attract people from all over.
“Last time I was in Toronto I made some connections and there was an outlet that was willing to sell some of my clothes but I failed to get some of my designs there,” he said.
Although he has not received much funding, Ntleki said he was looking forward to spreading his wings across the globe.
“Not a lot of designers get an opportunity to be part of an international show and I don’t take this lightly. Since my first visit in Toronto, there have been numerous invites to other shows but I couldn’t commit to some because of finances,” he said.
The African Fashion Show Toronto is in August and the Plitzs New York City Fashion Week is in September.
Mdantsane designer hits overseas runways
Ntleki has been invited to showcase his work at the Plitzs New York City Fashion Week and again in Toronto, Canada.
“I am excited about these opportunities. It is always great meeting other designers and being able to meet with other African designers that are doing big things,” he said.
This is not the first time Ntleki has taken his work abroad.
Last year he was the only South African designer featured at the international African Fashion Week in Toronto.
Last year Ntleki was supported by the Small Enterprise Development Agency, Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council to go overseas.
“I have sent out letters to various departments again this year to make these trips possible.”
Since his last visit to Toronto last year, Ntleki said he had made connections with some of the designers based there and hoped to have his work on display permanently there.
His designs are ethnic-inspired garments, which use print and bright colours. For each show he creates a unit set of garments which would complement the season.
“I haven’t worked on any designs yet but I have started buying fabric that I will use. I will start to work on my designs next week.
“Each fashion show allows the designer to represent their brand in any way they want to. There are no limits – I just have to do the best garments,” he said.
Ntleki started designing as a hobby but that later turned into a thriving business.
In 2009 he opened his own brand, Revamped Kuts, and is currently operating in his backyard studio in Mdantsane.
He has been part of the Eastern Cape Fashion Week and numerous other shows in other parts of the country.
In 2010 he was featured on SABC1’s Ses’khona as one of Eastern Cape’s budding fashion designers.
Ntleki said through these international fashion shows, he hoped to grow his business and attract people from all over.
“Last time I was in Toronto I made some connections and there was an outlet that was willing to sell some of my clothes but I failed to get some of my designs there,” he said.
Although he has not received much funding, Ntleki said he was looking forward to spreading his wings across the globe.
“Not a lot of designers get an opportunity to be part of an international show and I don’t take this lightly. Since my first visit in Toronto, there have been numerous invites to other shows but I couldn’t commit to some because of finances,” he said.
The African Fashion Show Toronto is in August and the Plitzs New York City Fashion Week is in September.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos