Behind the Scenes with Kgomotso Seboko: Crafting Fashion Shows with Precision & Purpose

Paris Fashion Week is the ultimate celebration of style, where the world’s biggest fashionistas transform the runway into a breathtaking fusion of artistry, innovation, and couture that sets the tone for global trends. Among the creative visionaries behind these moments is Kgomotso Seboko, a multi-talented fashion show producer, director, and choreographer.

 

With a career rooted in choreography, show production, and directing, Kgomotso has been instrumental in shaping the way fashion is presented, blending movement and style to tell compelling visual stories. Known for his precision and artistic flair, Seboko has carved a name for himself within the fashion world, not only in South Africa but also internationally.

 

Ahead of his upcoming shows from the 26th to the 29th of September, we sit down with Seboko to discuss his journey, inspirations, and what to expect on the Paris stage. In this exclusive interview, the fashion connoisseur shares his insights into what it takes to bring fashion to life on an international scale.

 

You’ve had an incredible career in model scouting since 2005. How has the industry evolved since you first started, and how have you adapted to those changes?

It has become inclusive and accessible especially when it comes to ancient, western beauty and body standards, Models of color, sexual orientation, skin, and body types have a fair of work opportunities. I had to move with the times as my client’s advertising needs drastically changed, social media also forced us Talent/model scouts/managers to adapt, or else we would be out of business.

 

Paris Fashion Week is one of the most prestigious events in the industry. How does it feel to be working on such a global stage?

I feel so overwhelmed with gratitude and super proud of myself for never giving up even after so many years of rejection from SA Fashion Week Seasons, seeing my work and creativity being recognized by the world’s biggest fashion capital proves that I have so much more to offer into this industry. I have been manifesting this Moment since 2011 when I made it into the top 3 of the African Fashion International (AFI) Fast Track Apprentice Producer program- Where I was also selected to be a production assistant at David Tlale’s Mandela Bridge Fashion Show.

 

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the creative direction you’re bringing to Paris Fashion Week? What’s the vision for this season?

The Vision is to Proudly showcase who we are as South Africans, our rich heritage and diverse culture will shine brighter on the runway through the music and each garment worn by models of color.

 

I have been working with a South African crochet designer’’ Tshegofatso Chanda since 2020 where I produced/choreographed her debut collection at Mozambique Fashion Week. Her inspiration and collection is ‘’ Threads of Freedom.” The collection celebrates South Africa’s 30 years of democracy while also presenting her personal journey of self-discovery.

 

How do you approach choreographing a runway show? What goes into creating a seamless, visually stunning experience for the audience?

It starts with the Designer’s story and inspiration behind the collection, her point of view, and the client she is selling to. My job is to bring this idea to life through hair, make-up, styling, music, lighting, graphics, the model’s character, and the mood on the runway. My creative direction and choreography have to connect with the audience. The message has to be clear from the first model to last…also incorporating social media, content consumption into the show.

You are also the founder and director of Mister Heritage South Africa. Tell us more about the pageant and what it aims to achieve.

Mr Heritage South Africa is a nonprofit Organization aimed at Uplifting young men (Teens and Young Adults) specifically targeting rural and township areas where modeling and skills development opportunities barely exist. It is also a prestigious event celebrating the cultural diversity and timeless elegance of men. Unveiling and preserving our cultural heritage.
We aim to showcase the heritage, talent, and charisma of participants while promoting the values of confidence, respect, and cultural appreciation. To foster the spirit of Ubuntu and to never forget our roots as African man.

South Africa has a rich fashion culture. How do you incorporate elements of your heritage and experience into your work on international platforms like Paris Fashion Week?
Collaborating with our very own local designers really plays a major role as a fashion show producer, using our African aesthetic, fabrics, and colours mixed with tribes groups. Our music, poetry, and lifestyle elements also inspire the Western when they see it being so vividly showcased on these international runways.

 

As someone who wears multiple hats—entrepreneur, model coach, producer, director—how do you balance all your roles while staying creative and energised?
I am so blessed that all these roles are aligned with my highest values and my service to humanity, I have a very strict morning ritual where I write down my goals for the day/week and make sure I commit to them. Our Industry is seasonal, we have an off-peak season which allows me to create, evaluate my progress, and let go of what no longer works. Being a spiritually enlightened person(prayer, meditation, yoga, gym) also helps me with mental stress and daily schedule demands.

 

South Africa has a rich fashion culture. How do you incorporate elements of your heritage and experience into your work on international platforms like Paris Fashion Week?

As a proud South African, I believe it’s essential to showcase our rich cultural diversity on global stages. I prefer to infuse runway shows with African energy, rhythm, and flair, bringing a unique vibrancy to the catwalk. This includes incorporating iconic Highlife music and collaborating with African artists on runway visuals, blending traditional and modern aesthetics.

You’ve helped many models build their careers. What’s one piece of advice you always give to models when they’re starting in the industry?
My advice to them is to invest in their modelling brand by finding a good model coach and performance skills because modelling is really hard work beyond looking pretty on camera.

Do thorough research about how the industry works, which agencies cater to their physical appearance, and read modelling contracts(consult a legal counsel).

Use social media as your greatest ally, it’s a marketing tool/portfolio which also helps the agency to market you. Be vigilant and watch out for scammers, that includes some shaddy brands who want to exploit models by not paying them the advertising industry rates.

Looking ahead, what future projects or goals do you have in mind? How do you see your role in the fashion industry evolving over the next few years?
My goal is to work and learn in the four fashion capitals of the world, New York, London, Milan, and Paris’’ I want to master their Art of infusing Architecture with fashion, so I can bring that element into our South African fashion show productions, it is my dream to produce shows at our country’s historic heritage sites and destinations, telling our African stories, history and culture also to challenge our designers to do outdoor/day fashion shows.

My team and I are working on our own Heritage Fashion Week, where we are only showcasing proudly South African locally produced designs, using only African fabrics and art. From deco, food and exhibitions, and pop-up stores(traditional wedding dresses). The likes of MAXHOSA have inspired this concept.

Next year I will be working at a modeling agency in Paris for 6x months, I really want to see a black South African model on the cover of Vogue magazine and more of them walking at all these global fashion weeks, The Malope siblings from Limpopo have given me so much hope as they are currently holding the south African flag so high internationally.