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Theirs is a story of two young designers trying to make it in the industry, facing many challenges along the way. Instead of giving up, they persevered and finally made their mark.
Quiteria Kekana from Blood River in Polokwane and George Malelu from Lesotho, known as Quiteria & George, are now designers to the stars.
The pair work together on conceptualising and then executing a design.
“The world is influenced by the internet, so, creatively, we are able to tap into all parts of the world and are able to relate and tell our stories. It may be political, religious, cultural ... fashion speaks all languages,” says Kekana.
He met Malelu when he worked for Mpumalanga Fashion Week and showcased his fashion line. Kekana loved Malelu’s collection and vowed that they’d work together one day. Seven years later, by chance, they met again at Gandhi Square in Marshalltown. At the time, Kekana was preparing to launch his own brand and they decided to collaborate and call themselves Quiteria & George. After a successful launch, they were in full operation by January 24 2014.
Now the duo dresses the likes of Terry Pheto, Dineo Moeketsi, Sarah Kozlowski, Nomuzi Mabena, Boity Thulo, Mampho Brescia, Lerato Kganyago, Tamara Dey, Jena Dover, Jessica Nkosi, Thando Thabethe, Lorna Maseko and many others.
They recently showed their 16-piece Autumn/Winter 2017 couture collection at Cape Town’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, using the film Black Swan as their inspiration. This was also their first public fashion show.
“The collection touches on the emotions we go through every day in an industry fuelled with love and hate. The movie Black Swan has inspired us to never quit and let the fear of the unknown affect us. Like Nina in the movie, there can be distractions, confusion and imbalance, but we remain focused on our journey of achieving the impossible,” says Malelu.
What’s next for Quiteria & George?
“To be a global brand based in Paris or New York!”
. Follow them on Instagram @quiteria_george
