Marilize De Clercq on fashion, family and faith

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

- Charndré Emma Kippie

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 topnotch stylist has navigated through the space eloquently, transitioning from an age of no social media to building a renowned multifaceted 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.