Beverly Twala has always exuded such poise and elegance. As a former classmate, she'd always fill the classroom with her subtle humming and laughter. As a friend, she has always supported my dreams and has inspired me by the relentless pursuit of her own. And as an aspiring artist, deep down existed a love and longing for something much greater; her love for fashion.
No one could mention her name without highlighting her love for God and fashion, maybe even in that exact order. Her pure and gentle spirit is the most beautiful part of her. In this interview, she passionately speaks of the many things she'd want to achieve, the changes she'll make through her work and how intentional she is about empowering women through her garments. As she continues to forge her way forward, I am already so expectant of great things.
Today, I celebrate her because I know the young girl in her that once had the dreams that are slowly becoming her reality and I must say that she has already made that girl so proud.
The conversation.
What do you love about being a fashion designer?
The best part about being a fashion designer is that I get to take something as intangible as an idea or a mere concept and cultivate it, develop it into something that I can feel, see and touch. I love being able to take inspiration, my thoughts and ideas and giving them life in the form of clothing. There’s nothing as beautiful to me like seeing my ideas come to life and then seeing someone wearing it!
What is Fashion to you?
Fashion is many things to me, it’s a way of life, it's an accessory, it's storytelling, it's an essential, it's work of art, its creativity, it's culture and diversity. It’s a reflection of oneself, who they are in their current state or moment, who they aspire to be. It’s a reflection of your state of mind. Fashion is one of the many ways in which you tell your story, however you wish to. It’s a reflection of your state of mind. Fashion is freedom of expression .
How would you define your personal style?
My personal style is elegant, modern and chic with simplistic detailing.
When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a designer?
It came to me at what I believe to be a very young age, I didn’t just wake up and decide to be one but rather it was always in me. It showed in simplistic little ways like when I played around with blankets when I was a little girl, I used to wrap the blanket in ways that made it look like a dress or a ballgown. I’d play around with my dolls and dress them up in different ways, I'd cut up rags and dress them. I’d have little fashion shows and play dress up using my moms clothes whenever she wasn’t around. I was that little girl glaring at the tv screen whenever Miss SA or Miss Universe went on but my focus wasn’t on those gorgeous ladies, it was on those stunning dresses. I couldn’t believe how such gorgeous dresses existed. This has always been something in me. When I was in highschool, about 16 years old, I was really adamant about being a designer and pursuing it head on. It was all I wanted with every fibre of my being.
Do you have a favorite piece that you have made so far?
No. I say that because I am still growing within my craft and so is La’ Living Legacy, my standards are set high above than what I am currently creating and producing. Although many people have pieces that they love, I feel like I am yet to create and make my special one.
What is your favorite part about being a designer?
Coming up with a concept, an idea, the mood and feel of the garments. I love the creative process part, putting my ideas to paper! It’s one of the things that make me feel alive. When I am in my own space and I’m sketching away an authentic piece, that’s the best part for me. Bringing my ideas to life.
How do you want women to feel when wearing your garments?
I want them to feel good and confident, I want them to feel like the best version of themselves when wearing my clothes. I want them to feel empowered and inspired to get out there and show the world who they are.
Pieces by Beverly Twala
It is my prayer that whenever someone out there puts on one of my garments that they may feel inspired and empowered to tackle the day head on and be their best selves. Also I’d like them to remember that it is not the clothes that make the person but rather the person in them, you create your own narrative.
How would you describe La Living Legacy?
La Living Legacy is a fashion design & apparel company. We design and make clothes inspired by runway pieces and on-trend garments. We basically design and manufacture clothing from scratch. We mostly specialize in custom made garments but are now looking to branch out into more standardized sizes and pre-made garments that we’ll be able to sell through an online store.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Wanting to stand on my own and be independent is what initially inspired me to start my own business and as my love and passion grew for what I do I wanted to be able to share that with others but what stuck with me the most is that I wanted to pave a way for the generation to come after me. I wanted my children to have something to start off with, a laid and paved foundation, hence the word “Legacy” which forms part of my business name.
Who inspires you?
I have a number of people and brands that inspire me. Personally, I'm inspired by Sarah Jakes-Roberts, that woman embodies more or less the kind of woman I aspire to be. On a more fashion-based sense I'm very much inspired by Coco-Chanel, Elle Saab and Ralph & Russo; those brands and designers inspire me deeply and I pray to God that one day I'll also be on that level.
What do you hope to achieve through your clothing?
I hope to tell my story. I hope to inspire other designers as well to follow their dreams. Right now I’m currently in my humble beginnings but as I rise up I want to inspire others and show them that it is possible, no matter where you come from or how you started or how difficult the road was that you can still perservere through it all. In fact, it will be those difficulties that brew and grow your gift.
What does women’s month mean to you?
Women’s month to me is a representation of every kind of woman, it represents the strength and power women have, even in our weakness we show strength. It doesn’t matter what skin colour you have or how you look but every woman has a special power within them, it's no lie when they say that women are powerful because that is indeed a fact. It's incredible what a woman can do, how much she takes and especially how much she is able to give back. To me women's month is a celebration of these incredible beings that God created so perfectly even in their own flaws. It is to affirm and liberate those who haven’t realized and stepped into their glory yet, it is to say “a job well done”, it is to take a step back and appreciate who we are in our entirety. It is to empower each and every woman. To say "YOU DID IT, YOU'RE STILL DOING IT AND YOU CAN VERY WELL STILL DO MORE!"
She is a beautiful reminder to all the women who dare to dream, that everything is possible. She is an inspiration to her son and to the generation of young boys and girls who dream of making a difference in the fashion industry. I am so excited to see the works of her hands. Beverly Twala has validated her own dreams. May her living legacy be the greatness that exists in the essence of her work.
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