In conversation with stylist Boogy Maboi

Boogy Maboi is one of SA’s most sought-after stylists. Supplied picture.

From her earliest days, Lethabo Maboi has

had a close relationship with fashion and

entertainment. A K-TV presenter then

radio host, her proximity to the industry’s

best, brightest and most fashion-forward,

combined with her lifelong fashion acumen,

gave her all the tools to become one of

SA’s most sought-after stylists. She is listed

in the Top 50 African Next Gen influencers

in On The Radar Volume 2.

So would you say that was the turning point for Styled By Boogy? I can’t really say. I’ve been running Styled by Boogy for ten years but I could still peak. To say that I’ve reached a turning point sounds a bit weird. Things could still change and I could be an international sensation. But, I think one of the bigger moments was when I styled the Dorobucci video for Don Jazzy and Tiwa Savage, because a big part of Styled By Boogy’s success has always been styling artists from outside of South Africa.

How difficult is walking the line between adhering to trends and creating unique looks for your clients?

I have a mantra and a hashtag that I go by: be local, buy local. Its the pledge that I’ve taken as a stylist. If you have the choice always go local before putting on international brands. So, the clients I end up styling have a unique look because I’m going to designers who generally aren’t on a fashion week level yet – I’m talking about designers who are making things and selling them out of their boot. That’s why my clients always look super unique and sometimes even have one of one looks. I also work closely with designers to make custom looks. So, for example, right now I’m DJ Speedsta’s fashion director and what that means is that I create all DJ Speedsta’s looks. I’m creating looks for him every single weekend and 90% of what he wears is local. People come to me for a unique African aesthetic without the kitsch.

Tell us about your personal style – What defines the Boogy Maboi aesthetic?

My aesthetic is defined by how I feel. I’ve always said that fashion is an extension of your personality. I play around with a lot of things; I’m very much a tomboy when it comes to fashion. Everything in shops looks like Woolworths food – you just pop it in the microwave, but where’s the personality? So, for me, personal style is more about a feeling than what I’m wearing.

Boogy Maboi is one of SA’s most sought-after stylists. Supplied picture.

Quick-fire

Sneakers or heels?

Definitely Sneakers. I am the unofficial queen of kicks for the whole country. No one has better UK size 3 sneakers than me. I have a real sneaker addition and it’s actually a problem.

Favourite item in your wardrobe?

I have a specific pair of Nike Footscape wovens. I’m also currently going through an uptempo phase – I recently ordered two pairs as a birthday gift for myself.

Coolest person you’ve ever met?

I was going to say Pharrell, but he wasn’t that nice. Never meet your idols guys, you will be so disappointed. He was saying his tattoos just got removed so his arms were sore and he didn’t want to be touched.

Worst fashion trend in history?

Those dustbin shoes…CROCS!

What every girl should have in her closet?

Crisp white shirt, an insane leather jacket with some unnecessary zips on it, and a pair of really great jeans.