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Designs by Lesego printed on 270 g/m² cotton, R545/m (1,5 m wide). -
Lesego Maloka, textile designer and founder of Pone Creatives. -
Hand-tufted wool rug featuring a design inspired by Ndebele motifs, R5 595/m2.
WORDS Palesa Kgasane
Lesego Maloka fuses her love of her culture with contemporary design to create beautiful original textiles.
Having spotted the bright motifs and bold colours of Lesego Maloka’s textile designs at Design Joburg in May this year, we were interested to know more about her inspirations and her newly established venture, Pone Creatives.
What is your main source of inspiration for the designs?
My core inspiration is African heritage stories, patterns, colour and shapes. If it has story, shape and melody, I have a strong desire to illustrate it and share it. My late grandmother, who was a seamstress and knitter, is my muse and my drive to design and produce. It all started with the question, “Who am I?” I learnt about my background and found out I am Montwane, raised in the Batswana clan and a granddaughter of the Ndebele. I am fascinated by my identity and want to express it using different mediums.
What makes your collection different?
I think it is cheerful and vibrant – like African pop art.
What can we expect to see from you next?
I have many design ideas up my sleeve, such as incorporating African textiles into homeware and bed linen. The possibilites are endless, and I’m just experimenting as I go.
Send queries to ponecreatives@gmail.com.
