Young entrepreneur combines passion for photography and eco-friendly fashion
WHILE many young people can't decide what to do when they matriculate, one young South African started his own business and has taken an innovative approach to fashion.
Jordan Titus Israel, 20, started JTI Universal Studios in 2019. He was in Grade 10 at the time and began working full-time at the business after he matriculated in 2021.
“It is difficult for a young person to do what they want, especially in a society where we are always pressured to take on the roles of teachers, doctors and lawyers. This may not be something that everyone would like or find interest in, resulting in a failed career. My advice to my fellow youth is to find a way to take something that you love and turn that into a career.
“My business specialises in photography, cinematography, costume design, and other production steps. Everything I do is from practising and experimenting," said Israel, who recently recreated a silver dress that was worn by media personality Bonang Matheba at the Miss South Africa finale.
His recreation was made with recycled materials and the ensemble was called "Eagle Queen Dress".
"I started the dress project at the start of September and it took 50 hours to complete. I used materials such as cardboard, plastic and rubber as well as glue as an adhesive," said Israel.
He said he spray-painted the cardboard to give it a metallic look.
"I chose recycled materials because I wanted to be innovative. It took sleepless nights, and a lot of cuts but I eventually got it done. I am also a bit of a perfectionist, so I had to ensure every detail was to the tee. Everything was hand cut and crafted."
His final ensemble was posted on his social media pages.
Matheba responded with a love emoji and singer and actress Thembi Seete liked the post.
Israel said one could wear the dress.
"It has polyester fabric on the inside as well as a cardboard lining for comfort. It however won't be hired out to be worn as it is more of a showpiece.”
He said he previously worked with retail clothing stores, doing video and content creation, and featured in the Netflix movie The Kings of Mulberry Street, and an international series called 1923. It starred Harrison Ford.
Israel is currently working on a new outfit that will be made from different textured materials with a touch of recyclable ones like cardboards and sustainable plastics.