They refuse to allow his legacy to be forgotten.
They want to continue where he left off, making stars look beautiful on runways, red carpets, and at major events.
The family of late fashion designer Lebogang Quiteria Kenana, who died on 17 April 2022 after a short battle with cancer, is continuing to run his fashion studio in Melville and going about with business as usual because that is what he would have wanted.
The celebrity fashion designer dressed the likes of Makhadzi, Lady Du, Mbali Mhlotshwa, Dineo Langa, Nandi Mbatha, and his family wishes for his name to remain in the history books of South African fashion.
Quiteria’s brother and creative director of his company, Vincente Moet Kekana, says closing the business down is not something his brother would have wanted.
“It has always been a family business and we will continue working, as he would have wanted. Mama Violet Kekana and I have been running the studio ever since he started becoming ill and he trusted us with making sure things are done in true Quiteria style,” he says.
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Before his passing, Quiteria was invited to showcase at the Kings and Queens Of Baobab in Polokwane on 13 May but he passed on before he could complete the work.
“The show must go on. We will continue to showcase,” Vincente says.
“We will be putting together 50 garments in honour of my brother. This collection will be named Lebogang and will be a tribute to him for his selfless hard work,” he adds.
“The collection will be divided into four segments, and each will show the evolution of the brand. My brother’s death is a great loss for us as a family. We still can’t believe he is gone, but we will continue his legacy through hard work."
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Quiteria died in his home in Melville, Johannesburg. The 38-year-old was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2021. The family shared the news a few days after his passing.
“It is with profound regret and sadness that the Kekana family confirms the untimely passing of international fashion designer, son, father, and brother Lebogang Quiteria Kekana (38) after a short battle with cancer. Quiteria sadly passed away on Sunday 17 April 2022 at his Melville home. Quiteria leaves behind his son, his beloved parents, siblings, family and his puppy," the statement read.
In a previous interview with Drum magazine, Quiteria said he believed he would win the battle against cancer and that he was moving back home.
“It is one of the toughest decisions I have had to make, but for me to recover I needed to be where I feel loved and where there is no judgment,” Quiteria said.
His decision to move back home was also due to the high cost of treatment. “The costs for good health care brought a lot of financial strain on my business. I was not willing to lose staff again, after the effects of Covid-19. So, I have kept the studio open and allowed the staff to continue to service our clients while I try and get my health together.
"I sold some of my valuables to make ends meet and have been assisted by close friends in helping with medical bills, but more help is still needed. It has been tough, but I believe I will recover and continue to make beautiful garments. I will beat this. I have beat almost every obstacle in the past.”
