We chat with local fashion influencer Keneilwe Mothoa

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In an interview with local influencer Keneilwe Mothoa, we learn her favourite hangouts in Joburg, her everyday essentials, as well as chat about fashion.
Jocelyn Stiebel chats to Joburg-based Keneilwe Mothoa, one of South Africa’s most influential fashion and Instagram gurus, and the specialist behind Edgars' fashion and trend forecasting. 

LOOK ONE: ALL ABOUT COLOUR

Free 2BU basic v-neck T-shirt 99.95; Free 2BU neon flared skirt 279.95; Free 2BU mini bag 199.95; Free 2BU neon-detailed sneakers 329.95

Such brilliant use of colour in this skirt-and-sneaker look. Are you a fan of wearing colour?
I have recently opened up to wearing colour, but it has to be a piece I really enjoy for me to attempt to wear it; interesting details on garments always help.

What advice do you have for those of us who shy away from colour?
Don't think about it too much. Solid colours are easier to work with, rather than prints and florals.

I think it’s the accessories that really bring this outfit together, can you explain your choices?
I have this three-accessories-only rule: it’s either a statement earring, watch and a bag, or sunnies, neck piece and a bag – don’t overdo the accessories. Sunnies are an especially cool statement accessory.

LOOK TWO: DENIM DREAMING

Charter Club striped shirt dress 499.95; Free 2BU T-shirt 99.95; Kelso dark denims 349.95; Free 2BU necklace 99.95; Kelso sandals 99.95

Let’s talk a little about denim. What do you love most about this wardrobe staple?
I love that it’s timeless; it will forever be on trend.

If you were to style denim only one way ever again, how would you do it?
I would simply pair it with a white tee and throw on a statement block heel.

What is your personal fashion relationship with denim?
I love denim in all silhouettes and washes – it's a staple in my wardrobe.

LOOK THREE: BUSINESS AS USUAL

Charter Club formal blazer 599.95; Kelso strappy top 199.95; Charter Club formal slim-fit pants 399.95; watch 199.99Free 2BU chunky sneakers 329.95

Why do you love the suit-and-sneakers look? 
Sneakers have the ability to dress down a look without taking anything away from it; this is a Charter Club suit that I paired with kicks to simmer down the seriousness of the suit and make it look a bit cooler.

KENEILWE'S EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

Yardley Whipped Matt Mousse Foundation 169.95 SHOP NOWPaco Rabanne Lady Million 50ml EDP 1350 SHOP NOWYardley BB Lipstick in Bubblegum 79.95 SHOP NOWKelso Beauty Mascara 159.95 SHOP NOW; Free 2BU sunglasses 129.99

Fashion aside, what are your everyday tech, beauty and home essentials?  
 My cellphone for obvious reasons, a note pad to jot down any ideas I might have when I am out and about, and this crotchet kit for my downtime – I normally do an hour of crotchet after work to destress. On the beauty front, my hair brush is essential to lay down my edges whenever they are out of control and stays in my bag all the time. Paco Rabanne Lady Million is my current signature scent and I wear it daily. My foundation of choice is Yardley Matte Mouse – it gives me that fresh-faced look – and I love the Yardley nude lipstick for a natural lip on the go. I also always have my sunnies on hand and use them when I am driving.

KENEILWE'S MORNING BEAUTY ROUTINE

Free 2BU T-shirt 99.95; mirror 349.95Kelso Beauty Mascara 159.95 SHOP NOW

How do you choose how to style your hair and make-up from day to day? 
I like easy-to-maintain, on-the-go make-up. I don’t like to spend too much time doing my face unless I'm going somewhere fancy. What I use on my face daily is moisturiser, lipstick or lipgloss, a little foundation and mascara. My hair is kept short or braided most of the time because I’m all about low maintenance.

KENEILWE'S FAVOURITE JOBURG HANGOUTS

Keneilwe at The Richmond: Melville


What is your favourite restaurant meal? 
I'm a really big pasta fan, so anything that has some type of pasta in it is all good for me.

Your favourite eateries?
Definitely Pablo Eggs–Go-Bar for breakfast; lunch would have to be Shucked Oyster Bar and dinner would be CHE.

Best place for a view?
Marble for a beautiful sunset.

Best hidden gem?
The Richmond in Melville.

A place for quiet reflection and a little inspiration?
Nirox Foundation Sculpture Park and JAG [Johannesburg Art Gallery].

What are your favourite things to do at night-time – where do you go, what do you get up to?
My fave spot to chill and have a drink is the Royale.

What is your go-to night-time look?
My signature night-time look would be a simple cute dress with kicks or block heels.

MORE ABOUT KENEILWE

Full name: Keneilwe Mothoa
Age: 27
Occupation: trend and design specialist
From: Johannesburg
Lives in: West Johannesburg
Astrological sign: Cancerian
Instagram: @keneilwe_Mothoa 
Recommended social account to follow: @C_L_O
Favourite drink: G&T
Favourite accessory: woven sling bag
Favourite beauty essential: lipgloss
Favourite season for fashion: spring/summer
Favourite local designer: @Mmusomaxwell
What makes you nervous? worms and deep water
Best gift ever received: love
What would you choose as your last meal on earth? pasta
Three things you love: family, clothing and travel
Most prized possession: a portrait painting of myself – a gift from my boyfriend for my 25th birthday

MORE OF OUR FAVOURITE LOOKS FROM KENEILWE

Kelso utility dress 399.95; Free 2BU dark skinny denim 299.95; Free 2BU chunky sneakers 329.95; Free 2BU sunglasses 169.99
Kelso striped shirt dress 399.95; Kelso formal pants 349.95; Free 2BU block heel mules 349
Kelso striped dress 339.95 SHOP NOWFree 2BU T-shirt 99.95; Free 2BU chunky sneakers 329.95
Charter Club utility dress 499.95


Fashion editor: Brittany Penebre. Junior fashion editor: Rushana Burton. Influencer: Keneilwe Mothoa.

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

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