Hi, I’m Alcora du Plessis — founder of Make it & Take it, fashion designer, sewing teacher and lifelong creative.

I started sewing at around 2 1/2years old, and over the past 32+ years I’ve worked across fashion design, pattern making, garment construction, buying, brand development and strategic retail management.

Before opening my studio, I ran my own business in my early years, designing and making custom wedding dresses, couture garments and matric farewell dresses, working closely with clients to create garments that were both beautiful and wearable.

I later worked as a designer and pattern maker for Foschini, before spending more than 10 years as a fashion buyer for major South African retailers including Topics, Miladys and Edgars.

Being part of the retail era of brands like Penny C gave me a strong understanding of what women actually want to wear, how garments fit different body types, and how fashion translates successfully from concept to customer.

My work in buying allowed me to travel internationally for sourcing, trend research and product development to places such as Hong Kong, New York City, London, Bangladesh, Barcelona and Amsterdam, exposing me to global fashion trends, textiles, manufacturing and retail systems.

Later, as a Strategic Project Manager at Edgars, I worked on large-scale retail and brand projects, including Project Runway South Africa and the creation of standalone concept stores and brands such as Kelso and Free2BU.

My background in fashion design means I understand the professional techniques behind garment construction — but I also know the practical shortcuts, finishes and industry tricks that help you achieve a polished, high-end look without unnecessary complexity.

My buying background also plays a large role in the way I teach. I understand how to build coordinated ranges that mix and match effortlessly, which is exactly what inspired the structure behind the Essential Wardrobe Series.

Today, I bring all of that industry experience into my teaching — combining practical sewing knowledge with real-world fashion and garment expertise in a relaxed, hands-on environment.