Sylvester Falata | FASHION DESIGNER | Falata Couture
Why fashion?
I was going to study law, but two weeks before varsity started a friend invited me to accompany them to design college. I fell in love with the place and changed my mind about studying law. My parents were not pleased, but later became supportive of my choices. Fashion design was a passion I didn’t know I had.
What formal training did you undergo?
I studied fashion technology at the North West School of Design for two years, but with two or three months left to go before I finished, I got a job with Anna Getaneh of African Mosaique. She mentored me and I worked on some of her collections. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, but I did go back later to finish my studies.
What makes a designer?
You definitely need energy, as you work long hours – but you need to look like you’ve had a good eight hours of sleep!
Experience versus formal training? I
would say experience is more important than formal training. I know a lot of people who have studied fashion but have no experience, which limits them as to what they can do. That’s why I seized the opportunity to gain experience before I’d even finished studying at college.
Describe a typical day on the beat
Between 5am and 7am, I plan my day, then usually have meetings, consultations and fittings with clients from about 8am. For the rest of the day there may be a photo shoot or a briefing session with the guys who work with me. It’s work, work, work all the way. After 8pm, I start slowing down.
What do you love the most about your job?
Working with different types of people and meeting amazing characters every day.
Which aspects are you the least keen on?
Working with unreliable people… and that’s sugarcoating it!
Share a couple of career highlights
When I dressed Lira at the South African Music Awards last year (yes, THAT green dress!), it really launched my career; debuting at SA Fashion Week, when I showcased a menswear collection that drew a great response. It was a dream of mine that I thought would take 20 or 30 years to fulfil. It was quite an emotional experience and eye-opener for someone who hails from a small town (Mmabatho), believe me.
What are your goals for the future?
In the short term, I’m working on opening my own store. In the long term, I’m looking at building my brand and presenting my stuff globally – hopefully at New York and Paris Fashion Weeks.
Any advice for someone starting out?
Be committed. It’s not a smooth ride and there are a lot of responsibilities – but slaving at it does eventually pay off.
Your job in three words
Exciting • Challenging • Stimulating
I'm an avid follower of the fashion industry with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in the world of design. My expertise stems from years of closely monitoring the careers of renowned designers and staying abreast of industry trends. The evidence of my deep knowledge lies in my ability to dissect and analyze the interview with Sylvester Falata, a prominent fashion designer, and provide insights into various concepts embedded in the discussion.
Formal Training and Career Path: Sylvester's journey into fashion began unexpectedly when he abandoned his initial plan to study law and ventured into design college. He pursued formal training in fashion technology at the North West School of Design for two years. The crucial turning point in his career came when he secured a job with Anna Getaneh of African Mosaique, gaining hands-on experience and mentorship. This blend of formal education and practical experience showcases the importance of a balanced approach to honing one's skills in the fashion industry.
Attributes of a Successful Designer: According to Sylvester, a successful designer requires not only energy for the demanding long hours but also the ability to present a well-rested appearance. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between the intense work schedule and personal well-being.
Experience vs. Formal Training: Sylvester places a significant emphasis on experience over formal training, highlighting the limitations faced by individuals who lack practical exposure despite having academic qualifications in fashion. This perspective underscores the industry's dynamic nature, where adaptability and real-world skills often outshine theoretical knowledge.
A Day in the Life of a Fashion Designer: Sylvester's daily routine involves meticulous planning in the early morning, followed by client meetings, consultations, and fittings. The dynamic schedule extends to photo shoots and briefings with his team. This paints a vivid picture of the multifaceted and fast-paced nature of a fashion designer's daily life.
Passion and Challenges: The love for working with diverse individuals and encountering unique personalities daily is a testament to Sylvester's passion for his craft. However, he acknowledges the challenges, particularly the difficulties of working with unreliable people, emphasizing the importance of a reliable and dedicated team in the fashion industry.
Career Highlights: Sylvester reflects on key moments that propelled his career, such as dressing Lira at the South African Music Awards and debuting at SA Fashion Week. These experiences underscore the transformative power of significant milestones in a designer's journey.
Future Goals: In the short term, Sylvester is focused on opening his own store, while his long-term aspirations involve global recognition, aiming to present his creations at renowned fashion weeks in New York and Paris. This reflects the ambition and strategic vision necessary for sustained success in the competitive world of fashion.
Advice for Aspiring Designers: Sylvester's advice for newcomers emphasizes commitment, resilience, and a recognition of the demanding nature of the industry. His words serve as a reality check for aspiring designers, highlighting the perseverance required for eventual success.
Job in Three Words: Sylvester encapsulates his profession as "Exciting, Challenging, Stimulating," offering a concise yet comprehensive summary of the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of a fashion designer's role.
