South African Designer: Anel Botha Couture (Updated)

Original Post: 04 December 2012

Updated Post: 02 July 2014

A rising up-and-comming talent in the South African Fashion industry who is well respected by her fellow designers. Anel Botha is well known for her red carpet designs which have been seen at many major events, such as, the South African Style Awards, the South African Music Awards, the South African Traditional Music Awards, the You Spectacular Awards, the Huisgenoot Tempo Awards, the Lourie Awards and Huisgenoot Skouspel to name a few.

Karlien van Jaarsveld (left) & Anel Botha (right)

Anel has also had the privilege of dressing many of South Africa’s “who’s who” such as Pabi Moloi, Roxy Louw, Sorina Erusmus (AKA the Flooze), Karlien Van Jaarsveld, Andriette Norman, Palesa Mocuminyani, Gugulethu Zuma, Tamara Dey, Dunay Nortje and many more.

Anel had a love for fashion from a very young age. Her mother, a very accomplished after hours seamstress, would make clothes for the family and friends with Anel watching in amazement. As soon as Anel grasped the basics of a sewing machine she could be found stiching away for her doll, Lucy, or Lingpie, their family poodle.

At age 18, Anel entered the North West School of Design, Annual “Design your Future” Bursary Competition. At the Graduation Fashion Show of the North West School of Design, her designs, “Monopoly” and “Playing with Fire” astounded the audience and she walked away with the bursary to study Clothing Design and Technology. With her studies completed, Anel spent a 4 month internship with well known couture designer Michael Bezuidenhout. Following this Anel started her own fashion design studio and in February 2010 she launched her own lable, “Anel Botha Couture”.

Anel’s design prowess has resulted in her winning numerous awards including; One of the nights best dressed, worn by Gugulethu Zumu, at the You Spectacular Awards, Style Icon of SA awarded to Pabi Moloi at the South African Style Awards in an Anel design, Most elegant themed couple at the J & B Met, Most Striking Couple at the Durban July, Classic Raceday winner at the Durban July, finalist in the You Gomma Gomma Fashion Chalange and Bridal Africa Young Designer Competitions.

Anel Alexander, Diaan Daniels & Anel Botha at the Caxton Awards.

Other than the titles and recognition that Anel has received in the past, one of her personally savoured moments was when she was asked to showcase her couture range at the 2011 You Spectacular awards amongst not only South Africa’s most prestigious designers but also her role models, Gert-Johan Coetzee, Davide Tlale, Malcolm Kluk, Michelle Ludek and Colleen Eitzen.