Proudly South African designers ‘Decorum Stylists’ literally carried the flag on the runway of Paris Fashion Week while showcasing their Afrika Borwa ya Rona collection.
Global (06 October 2023) – Boxing champion, Conor McGregor said that you can take on the world in a good suit. South African entrepreneurs, Mphahlela (Pat) and Rethabile Mokgatle did just that when they showcased their collection, Afrika Borwa ya Rona, to the fashion world at Paris Fashion Week recently. The use of Sotho print enhanced the collection’s rich culture in time for Heritage Day.
It all began when Pat, a chartered accountant (CA) and Rethabile, an attorney, heard professionals at their office complain about most brands not measuring up when it came to finding exclusive work attire in the right cut, fit, design and style for their body. Pat saw a gap in the market and weaved his talent for tailoring business solutions with his unique sense of style to start their brand, Decorum Stylists, in 2016.
This is not the pair’s first stint overseas; they made their international debut of His & Hers suits at Pitti Uomo, known as a Mecca for menswear where industry professionals from around the globe gather to talk about the latest and best textiles and exchange thoughts for the future. They demolished stereotypes with their Prince of Wales collection. Since breaking out, they have also been featured in international publications such as GQ, NYTimes, Getty Images, Vogue, Man of Many, The Streets Magazine, and Be Global Fashion Network.
After schooling at Jeppe High School for Boys and being one of their star accounting students, Pat managed to secure a bursary at an audit firm called BDO. He recalls wearing the same blazer from Grade 8 to Grade 12 and then to his interview at BDO, the sleeves of which were undoubtedly too short by then. Fast forward to 2023, and Decorum Stylists just showcased their sartorial suits at one of the biggest events of the year. Note to self: Dream big and do big things.
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