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South Africa’s first season of Project Runway recently held its finale, and Pretoria-based futuristic designer Kentse Masilo coming out on top. We caught up with her to ask what’s next.
In Mzansi Magic’s Project Runway SA 12 designers competed against one another for the title and a slew of prizes. Hosted by Lerato Kganyago, the judges included Noni Gasa and Rahim Rawjee, with Gert-Johan Coetzee as mentor.
Though not necessarily a favourite among viewers, 26-year-old Kentse Masilo was a firm favourite with the judges and took the final prize. She walks away with a mentorship and prizes worth more than R400 000 from Edgars; Kelso Beauty products worth R30 000; a R10 000 shopping voucher from Menlyn Shopping Centre; a Lexus CT 200h luxury compact hybrid; a trip to New York Fashion
Week with TREsemmé and R20 000 from TREsemmé to showcase at SA Fashion Week.
Masilo’s designs are futuristic and sci-fi in nature. She told us she intends to bring a new idea of African fashion to the country:
Congratulations on winning Project Runway. What has winning been like?
The past few weeks have been very intense; I have made a lot of changes in my life and can finally say I have all that I need to kick-start my career to greater heights. I’ve been more focused on building a sustainable business and intend taking full advantage of the prizes I have won. I am empowered to do better and wish to do the same for the people in my village.
Why do you think you stood out to the judges?
When I entered Project Runway I was hungry for success and the judges could see it. And one of the qualities I believe got me through this was resilience. I didn’t bother with politics or have time to complain because, as far as I was concerned, being on the show was all about African fashion. I knew I had to deliver.
What happens now? Are you looking forward to going to Paris and New York?
I will present my collection at Premiere Classe Tuileries during one of the biggest fashion weeks in the world and, in addition to that, I will be working backstage at New York fashion week. I wake up each day with a purpose-driven goal and so much excitement.
Tell us about your design aesthetic.
I draw inspiration from my surroundings and my design aesthetic is influenced by astronomy, science and technology, which suggests a futuristic design approach. I love working with geometric shapes and unusual textures.
Can people buy any of the stuff you made on Project Runway?
Yes, my designs are available for sale and can be ordered by dropping me a message on my social media pages. I am now producing ready-to-wear clothing and planning to launch a couture line for 2020. Watch the space.
Can you tell us yet what you have planned for SA Fashion Week?
African fashion is evolving and as a futuristic designer I would like to do things differently. I plan to disrupt the fashion industry and introduce an elevated newness.
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