The style maestro, motivational speaker and woman behind the NPO Stillborn Still Loved SA, Marilize De Clercq opens up about self-confidence, her journey in fashion, and taking a leap of faith

For anyone who loves fashion, and, in particular, loves to shop, Marilize De Clercq is the fashion fundi to look out for. With more than 23 years experience in the fashion industry, the top-notch stylist has navigated through the space eloquently, transitioning from an age of no social media to building a renowned multi-faceted personal brand.

PASSION FOR FASHION

‘I’ve loved fashion and art from a very young age. When I was younger I loved painting. I can remember that I was always up to something creative; always creating something whether it was an outfit from my mother’s wardrobe, or putting on a fashion show for my parents,’ she recounts. Growing up in Durbanville, Cape Town, as an only child, Marilize was an ‘extremely shy’ Afrikaans girl who was always creating and dreaming big. ‘I’ve seen the growth I’ve experienced over the years as I’ve stepped into what I’ve always wanted to do,’ she explains. ‘It took guts and faith to take risks in the industry for 23 years.’

Marilize credits her love for fashion and the arts to her grandmother – who used to be an art teacher – and her mom. ‘My mom used to dress very well when I was a little girl. She loved fashion, and I always admired how she would put pieces together,’ she expresses. She also enjoyed jewellery-making, which she took as an art subject at school. ‘I used to help out in class when my art teacher was busy. And I think I carry this assistant teaching experience with me today, being in the fashion industry and helping women, teaching them the art of dressing well for whatever their lifestyle, body shape or personality may be,’ she says.

BEING A STYLE MENTOR

After high school, Marilize studied Visual Communications for three years at the AAA School Of Advertising. As much as she enjoyed her studies, she knew that working in an office all day was not going to suit her well in the long run. ‘So I took a leap of faith and I (who used to work in retail) started asking around for work and doing assistant stylist work,’ she says. During these years, the fashionista truly hustled to get her name out there, working for anyone from private clients to exclusive bridal designers, and eventually launched her own jewellery brand that featured in bridal magazines.

‘Starting out in retail as a young girl, I realised that I have a passion for helping and working with people, styling and helping them look their best,’ she explains. ‘When you’re young, you should work to learn, not to earn. No one can take away your skills and experience.’ Today, Marilize has dressed local and international personalities, having had the opportunity to work (both on and behind camera) on shows such as Top Billing, Expresso, AllAccess and Pasella. ‘I would rock up, work hard and give my best!’ she exclaims. ‘You have to get creative. Pick up the phone and take initiative.’ And this exact strategy is what has opened so many doors for her to work with amazing brands and people in the fashion industry.

As a way to give back, Marilize is currently launching the Style Mentorship. She hopes to give young people the opportunity to intern with her in her industry and learn as much as possible. ‘There will also be opportunities to attend a masterclass niched to their industry,’ she explains.

IN FAITH AND LOVE

Marilize continues, opening up about her faith as a Christian woman, and being connected in her church life. She strongly believes in speaking out to assist and inspire women. ‘It’s about encouraging women and young girls, and helping them to understand their true value. Beauty and their true crown comes from the inside,’ she says. ‘I want to teach women of all ages, firstly, how to take care of their inner self, and then we’ll worry about the rest… You are the way you’re supposed to be. So take care of yourself mentally, physically and spiritually.’

Always full of inspiration and ideas, Marilize still has plenty of moves to make in various avenues of her life. Aside from
her NPO, she hopes to expand her online store and work with designers on ‘ready-to-wear items that are a little bit more affordable than couture pieces’. There might even be a new jewellery collab on the way. So watch this space! 

Words by Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography: Courtesy Images