South African luxury denim brand TSHEPO Jeans is celebrating 10 years in the fashion industry with a new Autumn/Winter range.
The collection includes cardigans, windbreakers, long-sleeve crew necks and T-shirts that cost between R1500 and R5000.
Established from humble beginnings by township entrepreneur Tshepo Mohlala, the brand has also expanded its women’s denim range and introduced new styles for both men and women, while maintaining quality craftsmanship.
Behind the stylish new pieces is a dedicated team of 12 atelier staff, who bring the masterpieces to life through their cutting stitching, ironing and finishing.
Vutivi News spoke to three of the team members who shared their journeys.
Nobom Nondala, 47, from Qumbu in the Eastern Cape joined the brand seven years ago and was responsible for the ironing. She was soon promoted to a seamstress.
Nondala said the hands-on training from international denim makers from Amsterdam, together with the skills she had already acquired, enabled her to create the clothes.
“For South Africans to support local and especially TSHEPO Jeans, customers know where items come from, the quality and the hard work that goes into it. This is not mass manufactured abroad, our hands touch each garment and as a South African wearing Proudly South African garments it is not only special, but it is very important to keep the doors open,” she said.
Athi Nondala, 42, who has been at the company for five years, initially did not have prior experience in garment making. However, she was given a chance and ran with it. She now assists in all garment construction.
“Working here means the world to me, it’s so special to be here. Our managers are so kind, they push us and don’t give us a difficult time,” she said.
Quality assurance officer Silibaziso Dube, 42, said after each step was completed, he checked each garment before it proceeded with production.
“If any inconsistencies are picked up, I flag them and they are resolved before any further steps are taken,” he explained.
