South African designer Casbeth Tshegofatso Marobane is one of 10 finalists in the 2025 Redress Design Award. The competition celebrates designers who apply circular design principles by transforming waste textiles into garments. Casbeth holds a BA in Fashion Design from the University of Johannesburg. She says, “My passion lies in rescuing waste materials that would otherwise be discarded, rethinking how I can use even the most unlikely materials in my collections.”
Tell us about yourself.
I would describe myself as an artist. I believe in creating fashion with purpose and telling a story through my work. Sustainability was a big part of my curriculum during my university studies, but it was only after I got a job in the industry that I saw firsthand how much waste is produced during production and decided to adopt sustainable practices. When I started my brand, being sustainable and ethical was a big part of my purpose and storytelling.
What inspired you to enter the Redress Design Award?
I felt that it aligns with my values, thus would be the perfect platform to launch my career and that if anyone understands what I do, it would be them.
How did you balance your design aesthetic with sustainability for your collection?
My design aesthetic for this collection is Art Deco with Afrofuturism. It mainly consists of intricately draped accordion pleats accompanied by beading and embroidery. With this collection, I leaned into Afrocentric references and drew inspiration from South African cultural attire. I balanced it with my personal aesthetic and sustainability by using upcycled beads and cotton as my main fabric while carefully sourcing and reusing materials in a way that aligns with my brand.
What materials did you work with?
I used cotton linen, secondhand clothing, and deadstock materials such as curtains, aluminium blinds and mosaic glass offcuts. I sourced materials from artisans and thrift markets where I live.
What led you to embrace waste materials?
I wanted to reduce environmental waste, and working with upcycled materials centres me. I find it to be more creative when centred on sustainability.
How long does it take you to finish a design, from initial concept to final piece?
I would say it takes me three to four weeks to complete a single garment, depending on its intricacy.
How has the Redress competition challenged you as an emerging designer?
The competition has challenged me to look at how I can create fashionable products using 100% recycled and upcycled materials. Taking the Redress Circular Fashion Design Course made me rethink my designs and how I need to design for recyclability. Currently, I have been using a combination of zero-waste, naturally derived fabrics and recycled and upcycled materials.
What do you think the future holds for circular fashion?
I personally believe that the future is bright for circular fashion designers, with growing demand for sustainable and ethical practices as consumers become more informed. By embracing these changes as emerging designers, we can play a vital role in greening the fashion industry by being more sustainable and ethical.
Who are some of your favourite local designers?
Thebe Magugu, Rich Mnisi and Birgit Gibbs.
If you had to wear the same thing every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would be a black maxi dress.
- Image of Casbeth sourced from Redress Design Award website, the rest are supplied
- Follow Casbeth on Instagram
