Relebohile Fusi is a young fashion designer from Botshabelo, currently studying Textile and Design at the Central University of Technology.
Growing up in her hometown, Relebohile watched her mother transform fabric into beautiful garments, which sparked a love for fashion that would one day become her calling. Her mother, a seamstress, greatly influenced her early interest in clothing creation.
“Growing up with a smaller body, I couldn’t always find perfect sizes, so one day I decided to make a skirt from an old pair of denim jeans and asked my mom where to start. That’s how it all began; my inspiration came from my mom,” Fusi explains.
Raised in a creative environment, Fusi’s exposure to various styles has shaped her distinctive aesthetic. Her upbringing fostered her appreciation for innovation, color usage, and creativity with patterns.
Her educational journey began at Motheo TVET College in Thaba Nchu in 2019, where she completed N4 to N6 courses. This education provided her with a solid foundation, teaching her that making clothes involves much more than just sewing; it requires creativity, sketching skills, and pattern drafting.
“One mistake on a pattern can make the whole garment incorrect. That realization shaped my approach to fashion design,” she recalls.
Mentorship has played a crucial role in her development. Designer Thabiso Dolz, her mentor and host of the Qoai Fashion Show, has influenced her to be unique in everything she does.
Like many emerging designers, Fusi has faced obstacles such as limited resources, staying current with trends, and balancing creativity with practicality. Despite these challenges, she approaches them with optimism and determination.
Her first significant breakthrough in the industry came during a weeklong experience with designer Casper Bossman, which taught her the importance of building a strong portfolio.
Fusi sketches, collects references, studies current trends, and carefully balances creative expression with commercial viability. She prioritizes wearability and aims to resonate with customers while remaining true to her design vision. Her signature style is characterized by elegance, attention to detail, and a striking contrast of colors and shapes.
Sustainability and storytelling are prominent themes in her collections. Fusi has reached several milestones, including showcasing her designs at major fashion weeks, with memorable appearances at the Bloemfontein Winter Fashion Show and Free State Fashion Week.
She is committed to building her brand and enhancing her skill set by leveraging social media, attending industry events, and emphasizing transparency and sustainability.
With upcoming showcases, including another appearance at Free State Fashion Week in September, Fusi’s star continues to rise. Her goals include global expansion, sustainable innovation, and meaningful collaborations.
“Ultimately, my goal is to build a brand that is both commercially successful and inspires others,” she states.
Fusi encourages aspiring designers to stay passionate and resilient.
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