Setlhare blends traditional with contemporary styles
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Sunday October 8, 2023 06:00
Setlhare also said she is fascinated by fashion and therefore spends most of her time reading up on the industry to empower herself more on the subject matter.
Furthermore, she told Arts & Culture that her fashion taste was based mainly on blending traditional and contemporary styles to create unique and culturally inspired fashion masterpieces. She explained that her designs were characterised by a fusion of traditional African elements with modern aesthetics, often incorporating vibrant colours, intricate beadwork and indigenous fabrics. “I learned the art of fashion design through a combination of formal education in fashion design and self-study.
“I studied Textile Design at Limkomkwing University where I honed my skills through internships,” Setlhare explained. She also explained that the freedom to express one’s creativity through art while connecting with their roots and making a living out of it influenced her decision to choose art over any other career perceived to be lucrative especially fashion design.
She stated that it was a medium through which she could tell stories and promote cultural pride. Moreover, she pointed out that the public reacted positively to her art saying they appreciated the fusion of tradition and modernity in her designs. She also said many found her work refreshing and culturally meaningful and relevant. Speaking of one of her most memorable art pieces, she was it was the Independence collection, which beautifully blended elements from various African cultures.
She explained that it was memorable because it symbolises unity in diversity. “Like many artists, I have faced challenges such as financial constraints and the competitive nature of the fashion industry. However, the challenges have fueled my determination to succeed in more meaningful ways than I could have imagined. My achievements include showcasing my designs in social media, receiving recognition for promoting cultural diversity, and collaborating with designers,” she pointed out.
On other matters, Setlhare said in the next few years, she aspired to expand her brand countrywide before reaching the ultimate goal of being the best global brand associated with making indigenous fashion more accessible and celebrated worldwide.
Apart from art, she said she was also involved in community outreach programmes aimed at empowering local designs and promoting cultural exchange. She, however, said balancing the two was challenging but also fulfilling at the same time as they complement each other. Her advice to aspiring artists is for them to stay true to their unique style, to keep learning and evolving, and to never underestimate the value of networking and perseverance. She said her work was well exhibited on social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp and therefore she encouraged everyone interested in traditional and contemporary arts to have a look and be inspired by her Facebook page Riri’Textile.