Lesiba Mabitsela Studio

Lesiba Mabitsela Studio L E S I B A M A B I T S E L A S T U D I O : a creative agency that promotes an authentic and contemporary African identity

The studio has been established as a place of seeing, experimentation and documentation of the arts & design in modern Africa. The outcome is a series of limited edition avant-garde apparel runs and a criss-cross of contemporary artistic flair.

An article on oun the latest Image courtesy of
21/09/2025

An article on oun the latest
Image courtesy of

"When I first heard it, it encouraged me to think of myself as a whole and unhyphenated: Afropean. Here was a space wher...
26/07/2025

"When I first heard it, it encouraged me to think of myself as a whole and unhyphenated: Afropean. Here was a space where blackness was taking part in shaping European identity at large. It suggested the possibility of living in and with more than one idea. Africa and Europe or, by extension the Global South and the West, without being mixed-this, half-that or black-other. That being black in Europe didn’t necessarily mean being an immigrant.”

John Pitts, Afropean

Mona Okulla Obua’s installation presents a juxtaposition of two of her works: her award winning short film titled INDIGO and an immersive video installation titled YAO. INDIGO is set in the political landscape of Germany where Afro-Germans are still fighting to be recognised as German, YAO presents an approach to reconnect with one’s heritage and a return home. In that sense, the two works can be seen as extensions of each other, looking at black identity from two different angles, yet these two realities are inseparable from each other and coexist with all their complexities.

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INDIGO is an afro-surrealist poetic visual voyage depicting the ethereal beauty of Black hair. The film follows two black German womxn and their different views on identity. With an open narrative structure partly based on poetry, the story eventually solidifies in a hair braiding ritual that offers healing through the transmission of ancestral knowledge. The film‘s artistic research is based on traditional African hair braiding rituals and the color indigo as a symbol for diasporic life. INDIGO was made by a group of black & brown filmmakers, mothers and female-identifying individuals in all key positions. INDIGO won the Special Prize at the International Short Film Festival, Berlin and the 2nd Place at Monologues & Poetry International Film Fest, USA in 2023 and has been screened at festivals like Film Africa, South London Gallery, Ngalabi Short Film Festival Kampala, Toronto Indie Filmmakers Festival and Tokyo International Short Film Festival.

Please RSVP and join us on Wednesday, 30th of July 2025 at Stokvel-Gordart Gallery, Melville, Johannesburg.

THE BEGINNING OF A GOLDEN THREAD This project also pays homage to the women who have birthed, nurtured, and supported cr...
20/12/2024

THE BEGINNING OF A GOLDEN THREAD

This project also pays homage to the women who have birthed, nurtured, and supported creativity in all of us. Inge’s niece and Lesiba’s aunt, both models in the shoot, embody the generational link that this fabric has carried throughout time. Each thread of silk and every narrative element converge in an intimate yet powerful reflection of our shared histories, cultures, and the quiet rebellion that we inherited and now express.

CREDITS

Fashion Designer: Lesiba Mabitsela
Photographer: Inge Prins

Videographer: Phillip Grobler
Video Editor:
Photographer Assistant: Chris Jansen van Rensburg
Gear and Lighting:

Location: Transwerke , Constitution Hill

Text: Katja Wasserthal and Sune van Tonder
Textile: David Bellamy

Production Assistant: Lesego Ngwanamabudi
Hair and Makeup: Karabo Malebaco

Models:
Elle Linx .theyatethechicken
Njeri Nganga .jinx
Morakane Madiba
Karabo Malebaco



THE BEGINNING OF A GOLDEN THREAD The next step was finding the right backdrop for this collaboration to complete its tra...
20/12/2024

THE BEGINNING OF A GOLDEN THREAD

The next step was finding the right backdrop for this collaboration to complete its transformation. The architectural setting of Constitutional Hill, rich in history and deeply rooted in the past, once held the first Afro-punk Festival in Africa, the thought-provoking Transwerke Studios, and an old maternity ward. Serendipitously, life was reincarnated. With the spirit of the immortals, the thread of creation persisted, rebellious and guiding, as generations, cultures, and ideas came together to birth something new through collaboration.

CREDITS

Fashion Designer: Lesiba Mabitsela
Photographer: Inge Prins

Videographer: Phillip Grobler
Video Editor:
Photographer Assistant: Chris Jansen van Rensburg
Gear and Lighting:

Location: Transwerke , Constitution Hill

Text: Katja Wasserthal and Sune van Tonder
Textile: David Bellamy

Production Assistant: Lesego Ngwanamabudi
Hair and Makeup: Karabo Malebaco

Models:
Elle Linx .theyatethechicken
Njeri Nganga .jinx
Morakane Madiba
Karabo Malebaco



THE BEGINNING OF A GOLDEN THREAD Strengthening this thread, Lesiba and Inge later discovered a shared connection—Lesiba ...
19/12/2024

THE BEGINNING OF A GOLDEN THREAD

Strengthening this thread, Lesiba and Inge later discovered a shared connection—Lesiba had studied fashion design at TUT, where Carla had lectured for years. The warp tightened like a vintage obi belt over an aged kimono, revealing concealed intertwining histories and lived experiences through these silk curtains. Throughout Lesiba’s early university years, he fondly recalls the support and guidance of Carla and his father. The former, whose intuitive understanding of creativity helped shape his need for expression through textiles and fashion. With the gentle encouragement from the immortal spirits of Sydney and Carla, Lesiba was inspired to design a curated collection of wearable garments sparked by an interest in indigenous African textile craft, Johannesburg’s anti-apartheid punk scene, and a Keikogi suit left behind by his father, transforming silk curtains into art.

CREDITS

Fashion Designer: Lesiba Mabitsela
Photographer: Inge Prins

Videographer: Phillip Grobler
Video Editor:
Photographer Assistant: Chris Jansen van Rensburg
Gear and Lighting:

Location: Transwerke , Constitution Hill

Text: Katja Wasserthal and Sune van Tonder
Textile: David Bellamy

Production Assistant: Lesego Ngwanamabudi
Hair and Makeup: Karabo Malebaco

Models:
Elle Linx .theyatethechicken
Njeri Nganga .jinx
Morakane Madiba
Karabo Malebaco



THE BEGINNING OF A GOLDEN THREADThe golden thread between Inge and Lesiba, weaves a sense of eternity, connecting lives ...
19/12/2024

THE BEGINNING OF A GOLDEN THREAD

The golden thread between Inge and Lesiba, weaves a sense of eternity, connecting lives and spirits across time and space. Inge first encountered Lesiba’s creations through his Instagram stories, set to haunting music and felt compelled to reach out. Their shared appreciation for preserving memories and beauty rekindled their connection. Together, they united their artistry — Lesiba’s clothing and Inge’s photography — capturing these pieces through a lens that merges them with architecture. Strong, layered, and rich with history, like silk, their collaboration embodies the depth of both art forms.

CREDITS

Fashion Designer: Lesiba Mabitsela
Photographer: Inge Prins

Videographer: Phillip Grobler
Video Editor:
Photographer Assistant: Chris Jansen van Rensburg
Gear and Lighting:

Location: Transwerke , Constitution Hill

Text: Katja Wasserthal and Sune van Tonder
Textile: David Bellamy

Production Assistant: Lesego Ngwanamabudi
Hair and Makeup: Karabo Malebaco

Models:
Elle Linx .theyatethechicken
Njeri Nganga .jinx
Morakane Madiba
Karabo Malebaco



In Lesiba’s hands, these curtains would undergo a process akin to alchemy. The fabric of this story was dictated long be...
19/12/2024

In Lesiba’s hands, these curtains would undergo a process akin to alchemy. 

The fabric of this story was dictated long before anyone knew how it would end. Its twists and turns were predestined, ordained, and meant to be. But as with all stories, however fated, there is a turning point. In December of 2023, Lesiba’s father and mentor, Sydney Mabitsela, and Carla both passed. Leaving legacies of knowledge, passion, and inspiration behind, their impact was still felt reverberating through the spaces they once occupied, the hearts they once knew, and the homes they once built.

These threads that had been passed on, through what seemed to be pure coincidence, became a glowing reminder, a tangible outstretched hand, an earthly greeting from the first tellers of this story. Lesiba and Inge became the custodians, ready to take these threads to the next chapter. 

Growing up, Lesiba was inspired by his father, who often shared his admiration for martial arts through stories of Bruce Lee and demonstrations performed well enough to convince and mesmerise a young and impressionable boy; blending in tales of an earned black belt with Kata movements. Inspired by Keikogi suits and kimonos, which are often associated with the land of immortals, symbolising longevity and good fortune, Lesiba began the process of garment construction. 

CREDITS

Fashion Designer: Lesiba Mabitsela
Photographer: Inge Prins

Videographer: Phillip Grobler
Video Editor:
Photographer Assistant: Chris Jansen van Rensburg
Gear and Lighting:

Location: Transwerke , Constitution Hill

Text: Katja Wasserthal and Sune van Tonder
Textile: David Bellamy

Production Assistant: Lesego Ngwanamabudi
Hair and Makeup: Karabo Malebaco

Models:
Elle Linx .theyatethechicken
Njeri Nganga .jinx
Morakane Madiba
Karabo Malebaco



THE BEGINING OF A GOLDEN THREAD In Lesiba’s hands, these curtains would undergo a process akin to alchemy. The fabric of...
19/12/2024

THE BEGINING OF A GOLDEN THREAD

In Lesiba’s hands, these curtains would undergo a process akin to alchemy. 

The fabric of this story was dictated long before anyone knew how it would end. Its twists and turns were predestined, ordained, and meant to be. But as with all stories, however fated, there is a turning point. In December of 2023, Lesiba’s father and mentor, Sydney Mabitsela, and Carla both passed. Leaving legacies of knowledge, passion, and inspiration behind, their impact was still felt reverberating through the spaces they once occupied, the hearts they once knew, and the homes they once built.

These threads that had been passed on, through what seemed to be pure coincidence, became a glowing reminder, a tangible outstretched hand, an earthly greeting from the first tellers of this story.

Lesiba and Inge became the custodians, ready to take these threads to the next chapter. 

CREDITS

Fashion Designer: Lesiba Mabitsela
Photographer: Inge Prins

Videographer: Phillip Grobler
Video Editor:
Photographer Assistant: Chris Jansen van Rensburg
Gear and Lighting:

Location: Transwerke , Constitution Hill

Text: Katja Wasserthal and Sune van Tonder
Textile: David Bellamy

Production Assistant: Lesego Ngwanamabudi
Hair and Makeup: Karabo Malebaco

Models:
Elle Linx .theyatethechicken
Njeri Nganga .jinx
Morakane Madiba
Karabo Malebaco



The Beginning of a Golden ThreadCREDITSFashion Designer: Lesiba Mabitsela Photographer: Inge Prins Videographer: Phill...
17/12/2024

The Beginning of a Golden Thread

CREDITS

Fashion Designer: Lesiba Mabitsela
Photographer: Inge Prins

Videographer: Phillip Grobler
Video Editor:
Photographer Assistant: Chris Jansen van Rensburg
Gear and Lighting:

Location: Transwerke , Constitution Hill

Text: Katja Wasserthal and Sune van Tonder
Textile: David Bellamy

Production Assistant: Lesego Ngwanamabudi
Hair and Makeup: Karabo Malebaco

Models:
Elle Linx .theyatethechicken
Njeri Nganga .jinx
Morakane Madiba
Karabo Malebaco



The Beginning of the Golden ThreadCREDITSFashion Designer: Lesiba Mabitsela Photographer: Inge Prins Videographer: Phi...
17/12/2024

The Beginning of the Golden Thread

CREDITS

Fashion Designer: Lesiba Mabitsela
Photographer: Inge Prins

Videographer: Phillip Grobler
Video Editor:
Photographer Assistant: Chris Jansen van Rensburg
Gear and Lighting:

Location: Transwerke , Constitution Hill

Text: Katja Wasserthal and Sune van Tonder
Textile: David Bellamy

Production Assistant: Lesego Ngwanamabudi
Hair and Makeup: Karabo Malebaco

Models:
Elle Linx .theyatethechicken
Njeri Nganga .jinx
Morakane Madiba
Karabo Malebaco



A concept that has traversed vast landscapes, the passage of these threads is reminiscent of eras that occurredlong befo...
17/12/2024

A concept that has traversed vast landscapes, the passage of these threads is reminiscent of eras that occurredlong before this story began. Starting on the Silk Road, this material has woven its way through the homes andhearts of artists, craftsmen, philosophers, and visionaries on a journey that has left their narratives inextricablylinked, forming fresh threads of purpose at every possible avenue. Like the sails on boats harnessing the wind toroam the seas on trade routes and expeditions, curtains have been raised and drawn harness to light.

CREDITS

Fashion Designer: Lesiba Mabitsela
Photographer: Inge Prins

Videographer: Phillip Grobler
Video Editor:
Photographer Assistant: Chris Jansen van Rensburg
Gear and Lighting:

Location: Transwerke , Constitution Hill

Text: Katja Wasserthal and Sune van Tonder
Textile: David Bellamy

Production Assistant: Lesego Ngwanamabudi
Hair and Makeup: Karabo Malebaco

Models:
Elle Linx .theyatethechicken
Njeri Nganga .jinx
Morakane Madiba
Karabo Malebaco



Address

46 Karee Street, Noordwyk
Johannesburg
1687

Opening Hours

Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27787374229

Website

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