SUPERBALIST X ORAPELENG MODUTLE

Words by Kirsten Jacobs | Images: Steve Tanchel

Glitz. Glamour. Confidence. Romance. These are just a few of the words used to describe Orapeleng Modutle’s renowned designs. Fashion designer to the stars, Orapeleng Modutle is the man behind some of South Africa’s best looks. Known as the King of Couture, Modutle has created wearable art for South Africa’s biggest names like Bonang Matheba, Nomzamo Mbatha, Nandi Madida, and Boity.

Now, Orapeleng takes on a new style journey by creating his first, limited edition ready-to-wear collection with Superbalist.com.

Modutle sits down with The Way of Us to tell all about his career, his style inspirations, and This anticipated collaboration.

The Kimberly-born designer’s love for fashion was born through his mother and grandmother, who were both seamstresses. "My creative abilities derive from early childhood with my mother and grandmother showing when I was younger, which sparked an interest of also developing the skill,” Modutle explains. “As I grew up I developed a unique eye for identifying forms, colours, patterns and detail, this introduced me to my inborn talent.”

His love soon grew into a full-time career. Modutle studied Fashion Design at the Tshwane University of Technology, and was granted an internship at Stoned Cherie by Nkhensani Nkosi where he learnt all about the business side of fashion. It was through this internship that he gained the confidence to begin designing his own bespoke pieces for clients. And thus his design label, Orapeleng Modutle Style Avenue, was born.

This fashion house caters to the Orapeleng woman, who Modutle woman defines as confident, and bold. “She loves to express her own romantic femininity always with taste, sensibility and refinement,” he says. “Through the past 10 years, the ever coherent OM style has become a byword for a unique concept of luxurious femininity all about timeless elegance and sensual refinement.”

When designing, Modutle is greatly inspired by the story of the Orapeng woman. He explains: “To fuel my imagination when creating a garment I often get inspired by a destination where my client is going and merging that with their personality to come up with an amazing piece. When creating a collection I spend a lot of time watching films that depict high fashion like those of the 1950s era, they just transport you to an imaginary world of Fashion Fantasies.”

Of course, couture is not accessible for a large majority of South African shoppers. This is exactly why Modutle decided to explore a new style avenue by creating his first ready-to-wear collection with Superbalist. The editorial campaign features Kefilwe Mabote and Sarah Langa, two stars who both reflect the Orapeleng Modutle shopper.

“The main aim of this collection is to afford each and every South African woman a touch of the Orapeleng Modutle magic for that very special occasion they will be attending this summer. With styles that suit all occasions there is definitely something for everyone.”

He continues: “The collaboration with Superbalist came at a perfect time when we are celebrating a decade in the fashion industry. It only made sense to collaborate on a special collection with Superbalist. Our consumers have been demanding a ready-to-wear collection and this is the beginning of our ready-to-wear journey.”

The collection, which launches 2 November, features 21 event-ready pieces imbued with confidence, romance, and glamour, guaranteed to make you the star in every room you step into this festive season. “My favourite piece in the collection is the satin tulip dress, this dress is such a statement that can be styled up or down and you will definitely turn heads when wearing this number,” says Modutle.

Shop the limited edition Superbalist x Orapelng Modutle collection from 2 November while stocks last.