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Paulina Mokhothu

Self Employed

Tlhokomelo Designs Investment

Handbags, Belts, Other/ Not listed

My experience in design started way back when I was a child. I loved to draw and come up with items. I took my passion to the next level in 1989 when I joined high school. I proceeded to do needle work. In 2011 I took a class in product design and product development at Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI). In 2016, I then joined product development program facilitated by what was then called Kenya Export promotion Council where I emerged the leader in the leather category. In 2018 I joined another short course in leather product design and product development, which was facilitated by ILFS India in collaboration with Leather Articles Entrepreneurs Association, Kenya Leather Development council and East Africa Trade Hub. In 2020 I enrolled on a one-year Mitreeki Fashion Mentorship Program facilitated by International Trade Centre under SheTrade program. This really helped me in sharpening my skills designs. I have been manufacturing products for local and international market. With the above acquired experience, I would love to showcase my skills in this competition

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Embodied Collection

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Africa

The concept combines fusion of creativity, sustainability and culture to create trendy fashionable pieces. The collection features interconnected straps of leather meticulously arranged with spaces in between to accommodate well designed kiondo material infusing pattern and color, symbolizing the rich African culture and tradition while catering to functional modernity ideal for contemporary society. Double looping lacing will be utilized to provide that exceptional finishing. The collection will include lady’s handbag, multipurpose crossbody bag/dinner pouch, and lady’s wallet. A brass emblem will complete the design. Sustainability is at the heart of our process, as a result, the assortment will be manufactured utilizing a combination of leather; the by-product of the meat industry and the most sustainable raw material known to man and woven basket material (kiondo) the raw material integral to East Africa since the 1920. Second hand leather will be used for lacing. The transformation process involves product design, pattern making, material selection, pattern tracing and cutting, gluing, assembly, stitching, lacing, finishing, quality check and storage. Our bag collection is inspired by the rich texture of aloe polyphylla a circular aloe vera plant indigenous to Lesotho. The plant features the thorny and inter-linked leaves growing gradually forming a circular shield around each other, creating a formidable protection for each leaf and for the whole plant. This signifies the strong character of the African woman (the mother plant) protecting and nurturing their young ones (the leaves), and the entire family. The idea is to translate this incredible structure into fashionable sustainable functional pieces for a modern trendy woman through meticulous construction of a mix of leather pieces and sisal fiber to form sustainable purposeful pieces. The pieces will be finished with double loop lacing technique to give them a strong firm structure. The embodied handbag Ref no 5/1002/EM/9.75 exterior features an artwork displaying mix of African cultures through combinaion of leather, kiondo, double loop lacing finishing and Lesotho hat emblem allowing customers to experice the rich African heritage. To keep your electronics protected and safe, interior features multiple compartment including the zipper pocket. It can comfortably carry a phone, Ipad holder, a pouch and a small cosmetic bag. The bag comes in 3 sizes, small and meduim sizes. This piece is ideal for complementing your status for those executive dinners, cultural outing and any luxury outing. Raw materials - Body Leather and Kiondo materials - Ykk zipper closure and slider - Brass Emblem - 4 pockets interior - 1 pocket exterior Color - Dark brown - Tan - Black looping The embodied ladies wallet Ref No. 4/1003/EM/8.25 exterior features an artwork displaying mix of African cultures through combinaion of leather, kiondo, double loop lacing finishing and Lesotho hat emblem allowing customers to experice the rich African heritage. The pouch has multiple slots to cater for phone, business cards, money notes and coins. It has a leather closure. Raw materials - Body Leather and Kiondo materials - 8 card slots - Zipper pocket and notes slot The embodied multi-purpose sling bag Ref No. 4/1002/EM/9.75 exterior features an artwork displaying mix of African cultures through combination of leather, kiondo, double loop lacing finishing and Lesotho hat emblem allowing customers to experice the rich African heritage. The bag has ditachable strap. Materials and other features - Leather and Kiondo - Ykk zipper and slider - Brass emblem - Dock hocks - 2 pocket

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.