Tapping into the fashion industry; get to know the multifaceted, chic hipster, lover of African inspired fashion Karabo Malebaco. Karabo is a model, stylist and make-up artist who’s currently studying a BA in Fashion specialising in media – a ‘K of all trades’, if you will.
Karabo grew in tune with her creative side and wanted a career that would allow that side to shine, leading her to the decision to drop her economics studies for something she would enjoy and that would align with her spirit, getting her closer to her dream of changing the narrative of African fashion.
Karabo is currently a model for Chepa Streetwear – a streetwear brand that incorporates streetwear with African print; a brand that speaks to her love for African storytelling in the fashion industry. And she would love to continue working with brands that incorporate everyday wear with our culture or heritage.
The first project for any creative is most memorable, and for Karabo her first modelling gig was a TV commercial for JC Le Roux, which is also one of her favourite works because she got to work alongside people she grew up watching on TV. Another project that stands out for her is the 48-hour project where she got to do make-up on iconic actors and made connections with like-minded people.
Being on set, for this chic mogul-in-the-making means being either behind the scenes or in front of the camera. As a model the best thing for her is getting glammed up and being on the receiving end of the magic, as a make-up artist she enjoys the ability to transform the models and bringing the vision to life and as a stylist the process of conceptualising ideas and seeing her work on TV or online is the most fulfilling part of it.
Juggling all these aspects at once does seem like a daunting task but Karabo simplifies this by prioritising her studies. The modelling, styling and make-up artistry is done on a freelance basis which helps her keeps her books on top of the list, although it does tend to get hectic at times she has found a way to make time for it all.
Her biggest inspiration is Kwena Baloyi, who considers herself a styling therapist – “I love how she embraces her African culture so much, she’s such an aesthetical vibe”.
Fun Fact: If Karabo had to do one thing for the rest of her life she would listen to music at a place with a beautiful view, where there are tonnes of trees and mountain.
Follow Karabo on Instagram: @ladykarabo
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