Lufuno Sathekge , also known as Miss Brown is a 30 year old Soweto born and raised Celebrity Stylist that gets paid to style the stars. Lufuno has turned her love for clothes into a fulfilling and successful entrepreneurship venture.
We chat to her about what motivates her and what it takes to make it in this industry.
1.What does being a stylist entail?
I put together and coordinate suitable looks for individuals in their personal capacity. I do styling across various media platforms, guided by the briefs I am given. I style magazine shoots, television commercials and presenters.
2. Why did you choose to become a stylist?
The career actually chose me! I have always loved clothes. My mom is a stylish woman, so I fell in love with fashion through her. I didn’t know that I could make a career out of it, so I studied BCom Marketing instead. My mom noticed my love for clothing and advised me to find ways of making money from it.
3. What are some of the challenges that you face in this career path? Being a service job, I deal with big egos. However, no matter how much you clash with someone, you have to get the job done. This requires a thick skin and lots of patience. There are times when I have to be on my knees tying a client’s shoe laces, so passion is definitely the key.
Be Happy. #msBrownStyling #NoirQueen #DenimOnDenim #mystyle ???
A photo posted by Lufuno Sathekge (@lufunolove) on
4. What do you enjoy most about your job?
Getting creative, styling different looks and the freedom to experiment. I meet many characters and celebrities. I also get to travel a lot, which is awesome.
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5. If I need a stylist, how much do I have to budget?
My prices vary according to the services required. For instance, on a music video, depending on the theme or brief, I charge per outfit and the hours spent on set. The prices range from R800 to R2 000 per outfit. I charge from R1 200 for consultations on personal styling.
6. Who are some of the celebrities that you have styled?
I style all V-Entertainment presenters, including Lalla Hirayama, Nomuzi Mabena and Siya “Scoop” Ngwekazi. I’ve also styled Khanya Mkangisa, Boity, Bokang, Simphiwe Tshabalala and Latoya Makhene for magazine shoots, as well as Kabelo Mabalane’s Matimba music video. I recently worked on Tresor’s music video, too.
7. What are the upcoming fashion trends?
With spring on the horizon, some of the trends are bell sleeves, bows, exaggerated necklines and statement dresses.
8. What are your favourite fashion items?
All my vintage pieces. I collect leather and love leather jackets, pants, skirts and dresses. I also love my mom’s vintage dresses, my African print dresses and brogue shoe collection.
9. What advice would you give to aspiring stylists?
Just do it. Trust your magic, and go for it. Do what feels right to you; it’s all in you. Start small, style your friends, volunteer to assist established stylists and style yourself because you are your CV. A lot of people trust my abilities because I dress the part. I own it, so do the same.
#Celebration #HappyMothersDay #50ShadesOfGrey #msbrownstyling #noirqueen #StyleSunday ??
A photo posted by Lufuno Sathekge (@lufunolove) on
