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You may remember Motene as the fiery journalist Tsego Motene from Generations, a role she played from 2000 to 2004. She’s also presented a string of popular lifestyle TV programmes including INSTYLE and Studio 53, which she produces today. On the stage, Motene has showcased her acting skills in theatre productions such as Honeymon’s Turkish Delights and the acclaimed Vagina Monologues and in 2004; she starred alongside Don Cheadle and Nick Nolte in the Oscar-nominated film, Hotel Rwanda. As a board member of POWA (People Opposing Women Abuse), Childline and The Tomorrow Trust, Motene is also involved in campaigning against women and child abuse in South Africa.
So what’s currently taking up this very busy lady’s time? “I have an exciting life. At the moment it's my charity. And then I have a whole lot of proposals for DSTV. Because I'm going overseas soon, I want to get most of the groundwork out of the way so even when I'm overseas, I can keep my brand alive. So now I'm doing as much work as possible and that will be aired later.“
Motene is regarded as one of SA’s most stylish women, having graced the covers of several local and international magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Truelove and Marie Claire. In 2003, she was named Most Stylish Media Personality at the South African Style Awards and was rated amongst the top five best dressed women in South Africa. But for all her glamour and elegance, Motene describes herself ironically, as a “typical tomboy”. “I can glam up and dress the part for a black tie, major function but at the same time I'm a typical tomboy,” she says. “I don't always have to wear my heels. I'm always very, very comfortable. I've had designers who’ll say, ‘But you'll only have to wear it for a few hours,’ and I'll say, ‘But I'm uncomfortable now.’ If you don't feel comfortable, then you can’t show your true essence, your true beauty. I'm big on comfort and elegance.” We couldn’t agree more!
We asked Motene a few questions about her style...
What’s your favourite item of clothing?
La Perla
underwear. Every princess has to have a pair. I don't wear it everyday, obviously but some days you want to feel special. And when you wear La Perla, you feel special.
Complete the sentence: My closet is overflowing with...
Handbags. I'm a major fan! I have two closets full of handbags. Whether I use it or not, that's something else. I've got sophisticated, high brands and cheesy, plasticky ones and bright pink and lots of colours.
Who are your favourite local and international designers?
Locally, Fundudzi
by Craig Jacobs. I also love Norman Callum – he makes the best bustiers in SA. He will do my wedding dress. In fact, he did my sister's in 1980. He dresses me for functions, and he takes any person and fits them into one of his bustiers and makes them look like a princess. Internationally, it's across the board. Um, Versace – especially their jeans. My butt looks
fantastic in them!
Then Michael Corrs: It's just elegance. He really captures sophistication. It's clean-cut, with a hint of sophistication but not too much. I prefer him to Gucci. I mean, not everyone can wear Gucci.
Any favourite name brands?
Sun Goddess
– they’re just totally innovative. They really get what it means to be African… What I like about them is that they also take in certain aspects of western culture. They gave me this big oversized bag as a gift and I wear it constantly. Always looks good. I can throw things in it and run out and it still adds that hint of glamour. Then there's True Religion. When you look at the jeans they look pretty bulky but when a woman wears them, they're just so comfortable and look really funky.
What’s the best style advice you’ve ever received?
Actually, it's from Norman Callum. When wearing a bustier, make sure the sisters are always pointing front!
Tell us about being brand ambassador for jewellery brand, Jenna Clifford and the Dream Big Campaign.
I approached Jenna Clifford
in 2007 and I've been following her career and what she's about ever since. I love the symbolism in her brand. She doesn't just make jewellery – there's a symbol behind everything. Her latest things are focussed on the symbol of an apple, like ‘apple of your eye’. It represents your inner core – inner strength. Every piece I have represents something about me. The Dream Big Campaign is what I'm about. That's why I'm going to New York. I'm doing the dream. For years we're told that you can dream, but those dreams can be within your reality. Why can't we achieve that? We’ve lost that hope. Why can't we dream anymore? That's why I prolonged my trip, so I can keep my dream going – why can't I get those Oscar awards? I love dreaming. I've visualized my dream and now a lot of them are coming into play. I did my vision board and a lot of things are coming into realization. For example, I had a picture of an Italian man on my board. Then this year, I went to the Glamour Party and I met the guy. So I was like, ‘Oh my God!’
What fragrance do you wear?
I simply love Eau Dynamisante by Clarins, and Rocking Rose by Valentino.
Which trends are you currently rocking?
At the moment, I've gone back to hip hop. I love sport also. Like today, I'm wearing a Man U cap, baggy pants and sneakers. It's comfortable. Later, I can change my sneakers and wear killer heels with the pants. It's still cute.
What’s been your worst fashion buy ever?
It was in university. I bought it from a second-hand shop. It was a psychedelic green checkered jacket, made in a light material. I’ve never worn it but I don't know why I just can't throw it away. It's still in my cupboard.
What fashion trend/look would prompt this response from you: “I would never be caught dead in that!”?
That's a hard one. I guess the micro mini? I would just feel very, very self-conscious. I mean I'm confident about my body but I'd just feel uncomfortable showing my upper legs.
Visit Rosie Motene’s website at www.rosiemotene.com.
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