A fear of driving after a life-changing car crash led to this Cape Flats man discovering his hidden talent as a fashion designer.
But Denzil Pillay, 32, from Wynberg, says he is crippled by a lack of finances and cannot show off his stunning designs on big stages.
The self-taught designer and make-up artist has been making a name for himself since the crash five years ago, but has big dreams of taking his designs global.
When Denzil was in a car crash in 2014, he was unable to return to his job as a sales rep for a cellphone company.
Denzil’s kwaai make-up skills. Pictures supplied
“After the accident, I thought it was over for me. But it was a blessing in disguise,” he says.
“My job as a sales rep required me to drive most of the time and after the crash, I developed a fear of being on the road.
“I took time off to recover, but during this time fell in love with doing make-up and designing.
“I did trials on ladies and then realised this is what I would like to do and make a living from.
“I do make-up for weddings, parties, Halloween and much more.”
Denzil Pillay’s design styles are dramatic and bold.
He is currently showcasing his creations at local shows, but has set his sights on international stages.
“I make and sell clothing in order to fund the special creative designs I make, but at the end of the day, I sit with all these amazing designs and no finances to pursue the stages I want to get to.
“It’s not easy getting the recognition of being a designer. You have to tap into that market which is also very well saturated.
“I’ve done many fashion shows for local events such as the Winter Wonderland and the Grand White Dinner, and I’ve also worked with Paxton Fielies on her photo shoots.
“She wore all my designs and I did her make-up. These gigs help, but I have bigger dreams.”
Denzil designs for men and women and describes his garments as “over-the-top dramatic”.
“I believe when walking into a room, one needs to own it,” he adds.
Denzil has his eyes on the world fashion stages.