Jessica Jane & Wandile Molebatsi on Fashion, Heritage & Unity

In the South African fashion scene, Jessica Jane and Wandile Molebatsi are building together a narrative that boldly blends art, love, heritage, and activism. Jessica, a seasoned designer with over three decades in the craft, began her journey at age seven, sewing with her grandmother. Wandile, her husband and creative partner, brings depth from his work as a producer and storyteller. Together, they helm the label Molebatsi, a brand born not just from style but from a shared mission to challenge racial division and celebrate cultural fusion.

In this rare, revealing interview, the duo opens up about building a fashion empire from marriage, redefining elegance through heritage, and showcasing their latest Toiles du Sud collection, an Afro-centric reimagining of French Toiles de Jouy prints, at the prestigious Shanghai MODE Showroom 2025. But beneath the glitz lies a deeper dialogue: one that interrogates identity, breaks taboos, and dares to ask, what does it mean to wear unity in a divided world?

FAB: Which version of you shows up first in the morning, fashion designer, fine artist, or interior stylist?

Jessica Molebatsi: Honestly? The version that shows up first is “mom”. But to answer your question directly: on the interior side, I collaborate with Kim Williams, my design partner based in Cape Town. She handles most of the design work for our interior projects, especially for The Prince, which I own, and Molebatsi by Jessica Jones. So, I wouldn’t say I design interiors or furniture myself.

But yes, fashion designer Jessica definitely wakes up with me. I started sewing at age seven with my grandmother, who was a dressmaker. I’m 39 now; that’s 32 years in fashion. It’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember.

The Making of Molebatsi: A Fashion Brand with a Mission

FAB: Let’s talk about your brand, Molebatsi. You run the company with your husband. What inspired it, and how’s the journey been so far?

Jessica Molebatsi: After studying for a BA in Fashion Design and working in the industry, I realized I needed more creative freedom. So, in 2011, I launched a label called Jessica Jane. I kept it going for a few years, but I always knew I didn’t want fashion to be about vanity or status; it had to mean more.

I think my true purpose became clear later, after Wandile and I had been married for some years and had our two children. That’s when it hit me: my voice in fashion could advocate for cultural and racial unity. It’s a global conversation, but especially in South Africa, where racial and cultural tensions still exist, I felt called to speak through my work.

Being in an interracial marriage and raising mixed-race kids deepened my commitment. That’s when we decided the brand needed a new identity. Jessica Jane sounded too English, too disconnected from our message. So we rebranded under our surname, Molebatsi.

Love, Business, and Balance: Navigating a Creative Marriage

FAB: Running a business with your partner is quite different from working with an outsider. Wandile, what’s it been like?

Wandile Molebatsi: It’s been an incredible journey. Like Jess said, she’s been creating dresses for years, but when she found her deeper purpose behind the brand, it was beautiful to witness that transformation.

For her, fashion has never just been about looking pretty. It’s always been about making women feel strong, proud, and beautiful. That purpose is what drives the work.

The journey hasn’t been easy. We’ve faced the usual challenges, cash flow issues, and the search for the right partners and investors. It’s been a steep learning curve. But what keeps us going is the belief that what Jess creates is more than just clothing. There’s meaning behind every piece, and that gives us the strength to keep pushing, even during tough times.

FAB: Let me circle back to an earlier question, Jessica: what’s it like building a creative empire with your husband? And who’s more likely to change their mind mid-project?

Wandile Molebatsi: That would be me.

Jessica Molebatsi: [laughs] It’s true. But we’re lucky; we can spend a lot of time together without getting on each other’s nerves. Even when we’re not talking, just sharing space works for us.

Working with Wandile is easy. We have very different personalities. He’s the fire, quick to act, eager to get things done, even if the plan isn’t fully polished. I’m more of a perfectionist. I procrastinate, think deeply, and want everything to be just right before moving forward. But I think that’s what makes us work: we balance each other out perfectly.

Dressing Mam’Winnie: A Career-Defining Moment

FAB: We’ve heard that your designs have been worn by iconic figures, including the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. What was that experience like for you?

Jessica Molebatsi: It was truly one of the most unforgettable highlights of my career. I was present at her 80th birthday celebration, held at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town. She passed not long after that. But what impacted me most wasn’t just that she wore my design; it was the process. I had the privilege of visiting her home, sitting with her on the couch in her room, sharing tea as she watched TV. It was intimate and deeply human. I feel honoured to have witnessed a side of her that few people ever saw.

FAB: Wandile, would you like to add to that?

Wandile Molebatsi: Mam’Winnie had an aura that’s hard to describe, regal and commanding, yet warm. The moment you entered her space, you felt her presence. She carried herself with such grace and strength. Often, people only remember her as a freedom fighter and political icon. But she was also a mother, a wife, and a grandmother. One photo I cherish is of our son Elijah sitting next to her, both of them smiling; it was a tender, grounding moment. That night, the room was filled with dignitaries: the President, Deputy Ministers, Julius Malema. It was a significant occasion. And for me, as a designer, dressing her is one of my proudest moments.

FAB: Wandile, if you had to sum up the essence of Molebatsi in three words, what would they be?

Wandile Molebatsi: Love, unification, and elegance. Those three words encapsulate everything we strive for.

FAB: Back to you, Jessica. I understand that your fashion intersects with cultural activism. When did you realize that clothing could be more than just aesthetic?

Jessica Molebatsi: That realization came to me during the COVID lockdown. I think that period gave many of us a chance to pause and reflect, especially creatives. I wasn’t just chasing income to cover bills; I had the time to be still and reconnect with myself. It was during that quiet that the idea truly hit me: I wanted to create pieces that harmonize elements of my heritage with Wandile’s. I wanted our stories to live together in a single garment, culturally cohesive and deeply meaningful.

FAB: Let’s talk about your design work. What’s a subtle detail in your garments that most people might overlook, but that holds personal significance for you both?

Jessica Molebatsi: In South Africa, where we have a complex landscape of racial, political, and cultural identities, people often look for elements of their own heritage in our designs. What they may not immediately notice are the other cultural influences layered within the garment. For us, it’s vital that someone sees a reflection of themselves but also recognizes and respects the presence of “the other”. That’s where unity begins.

Behind the Scenes: Paris, Milan, and the Global Runway Experience

FAB: Wandile, you’ve travelled from South Africa to Paris and Milan. As a man, what’s been the most surreal or surprising moment for you backstage or on the runway?

Wandile Molebatsi: Honestly, it was the chaos behind the scenes. There’s so much going on, and you realize just how hard people work to bring those shows together. The scale, the coordination, the number of people involved – it was overwhelming. Our first time in Paris, I was stunned by how many different teams and companies came together for one show. It was daunting. And then there was this unexpectedly emotional moment when I saw Jess walk down the runway with Minnie. My brother and sister-in-law were with us, clapping and cheering. It was a surreal moment of pride. I was just blown away by what Jess had accomplished.

Jessica Molebatsi (laughs): I think Wandile’s leaving out the real shocker, walking in on all the naked models backstage. That was the most surprising part for him.

Wandile Molebatsi: Yes! I was like, “Oh my God.” These ladies just undress with no warning! I didn’t even get a chance to look away—they just got on with it.

Jessica Molebatsi: It totally threw him off. He just said, “I’m out. I’ll see you in front.”

Wandile Molebatsi: Models are wild! But honestly, they have to change so fast. There’s no time to be modest. One outfit off, the next one on; it all happens in seconds. I was just standing there thinking, “What is happening right now?”

FAB: Fascinating! Still on the topic of the runway, do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions before your pieces hit the stage?

Jessica Molebatsi: Not really. For us, it’s all about trusting the preparation. By the time the show begins, we try to let go and stay present. Wandile and I are both Christian, so we usually say a prayer before we even travel. But once we’re there, we just surrender to the process and let the work speak.

FAB: Jessica, is there a piece from your collection you always find yourself reaching for?

Jessica Molebatsi: Hmm, yes. There are a few pieces from our first major collection called Noluthando. That name was given to me by one of Wandile’s aunts before she passed—it means “the one who gives love” in Xhosa. That collection is deeply personal. It marked the beginning of an incredible journey for us. And the pieces are not only meaningful but also really comfortable and versatile. I always feel good wearing them.

FAB: That’s beautiful. Wandile, anything you’d like to add?

Jessica Molebatsi (jumping in): I’ll answer that! Wandile basically has a uniform. We call it the “Wandile shirt”, a simple, Afro-inspired shirt that’s become his signature. He probably has about 20 of them in different colours.

Wandile Molebatsi: Not 20, Jess! She’s exaggerating. Maybe 15. She hasn’t made me enough yet.

FAB (laughing): 15 or 20, close enough! That’s a perfect segue into my next question. Outside of designing and styling others, how would you describe your personal style? Do you go full glam or keep it cozy?

Jessica Molebatsi: It’s definitely evolved. I’m turning 40 this September, and my style has matured with me. Back when I was studying, before kids and with more time, I was quite bold and experimental. These days, I lean into what feels authentic. I’d say my style now switches between two moods: either a chic tracksuit look—very cozy but still elegant—or classic suit pants paired with a polo-neck bodysuit and a pearl necklace. That’s my go-to. Simple, stylish, and very me.

FAB: Amazing. And for you, Wandile?

Wandile Molebatsi: Honestly, my style used to be awful, no sugarcoating it. But thank God for Jessica. She stepped in and said, “Alright, my brother, it’s time to level up.” That’s actually why I love the Wanderlust shirt so much. I’m really drawn to navy blue, which is why I’m obsessed with her Milan collection, Rakgadi. I gravitate toward clean, simple lines, and wearability is huge for me. The Wanderlust shirt fits like a dream, tailored, Afro-inspired, and easy to pair with crisp pants and cool sneakers. That combo is my go-to. It’s elevated my style in the best way because, let’s be honest, I wasn’t looking great before. Now, at least I look presentable.

FAB: That’s great to hear! If your fashion house had a motto, or even a soundtrack, what would it be?

Jessica Molebatsi: Definitely French café music.

Wandile Molebatsi: Elegant, delicate, nostalgic, yes. That’s it. It’s all about calmness, class, and a touch of memory. That’s really the essence of what we do.

FAB: Beautifully put. What’s one fabric you feel a deep connection to?

Jessica Molebatsi: Without a doubt, it’s Umbhaco. In Xhosa culture, it’s considered a traditional fabric. It’s a heavyweight, 100% cotton, basket-weave bull denim. I keep bringing it back into my collections, even though I use it in more modern, refined ways. I love transforming something so traditional into elegant, contemporary pieces. The fabric has such structure and presence, but it’s tricky to work with. A lot of designers struggle to make it look clean, but I’ve figured out how to give it a really polished finish. I absolutely love it.

FAB: That sounds special. What about you, Wandile, anything to add?

Wandile Molebatsi: Definitely. I love Umbhaco too. It’s such a strong link to our heritage, and blending that into modern couture feels meaningful. Jessica has really mastered it, and it’s become one of our signature fabrics.

FAB: Here’s a fun one. If fashion were a love language, what would yours be?

Wandile Molebatsi: I’d say “quality time”. Fashion demands time. Every detail, from the pattern to the fit to the silhouette, takes intention. You can’t rush the process. So yes, fashion is definitely a love rooted in time. And not just any time, quality time.

FAB: I actually thought you’d say “acts of service” or even “gifting”, since you both use fashion as a tool for activism, a way of serving humanity. Which leads me to this: how do you hope women feel when they wear your designs?

Jessica Molebatsi: This one’s easy. It might sound cliché, but I always say the woman should wear the garment, not the other way around. The clothing should reflect who she is inside, helping her express that fully. I want her to feel elevated, respected, and respectful. Elegant, yes, but also entirely comfortable. She should walk into a room and feel like the classiest woman there.

Fun Zone: #FabFastFive

FAB: Would you rather cook or eat at a restaurant?

Jessica & Wandile: Cook

FAB: Who likes to save more or spend more? Save.

Jessica & Wandile: Jessica

FAB: If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Jessica & Wandile: It’s our wedding song. I love that song.

FAB: If you had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life?

Wandile: Rib-eye steak. 

Jessica: Oxtail stew.

FAB: If you had only three minutes in a grocery store, what would you buy?

Jessica & Wandile: Ginger juice, cheese platter with crackers and Biltong.