Meet Angel Ntuli, a 25-year-old, style, and fashion enthusiast on our radar. She was born and bred in a rural area called Manyanga in Sekhukhune in Limpopo.

fashion, style — Angel Ntuli, Image: Supplied

The 25-year-old stylist, is a qualified teacher and businesswoman who prides herself on content creation.

We caught up with the stylist to chat about her journey in the fashion world.

GQ: Why and what is dandelion?

Angel Ntuli (AN): I chose the name Dandelion because it has a very powerful meaning that resonates with my personality and my journey; Dandelion is a flower that is known for their ability to thrive in challenging conditions, in short it symbolises Hope, Resilience and Strength.

GQ: What inspired you to become a fashion content creator?

AN: Growing up in a small village as a petite girl came with a lot of bullying from both family friends and the people around me, I used to get a lot of comments and unsolicited advice regarding what I should wear and what I shouldn’t wear moreover, what would look good on me.

fashion, style — eNtabeni collection, Image: Supplied

This resulted in me re-designing my clothes just to fit in at times and constantly trying to prove a point that even though I am skinny, I can look good in anything.

I then got introduced to social media, the cyber bullying happened there as well, so I started playing around with different outfits to inspire girls with the same body type as me and again to prove that Petite girls can wear anything and still look good.

GQ: How would you describe your personal style and why this style?

AN: I would describe my style as quite versatile; It depends on everyday activities, mood and occasions.

fashion, style — eNtabeni collection, Image: Supplied

However, I tend to lean more on simplicity yet chic and elegant: I like my tailored pants, formal shorts, some retro sneakers; for example, your Sambas, Gizels and loafers, etc...

GQ: How did the collaboration with ascend come about?

AN: The team approached me to model for their winter collection campaign; the campaign was a success, which resulted in good sales increase.

Inga Gubeka, the founder of Ascend, then proposed we do a collaboration, which I agreed to. My role in the collaboration was to revive the brand and introduce some new concepts and storytelling using our heritage.

GQ: What inspired the eNtabeni collection?

AN: The Entabeni collection, is inspired by Xhosa boys who go to initiation school in the mountains.

We wanted to translate that story into everyday garments and fashion. I believe this beautiful heritage should be told in a positive way.

We often hear about boys dying every season but not so much of the positive side.

We basically took the blanket worn by the initiates, which is red and white, turned that into a patten, which we used on the prices.

GQ: Tell us more about the collection, availability, and price points?

AN: The collection consists of knitwear; in the form of golfers, pants, shots, dresses and skirts which are knitted using acrylic.

The collection will be available at Ascend label flagship store at the mall of Africa and online on www.ascendlabel.com

The collection is affordable, for a piece you are looking at paying between R1500 - R4000

GQ: What can we expect from you in 2024?

AN: To creative direct Ascend’s Label (Women’s range) winter/Autumn collection. For Dandelion as a Brand, the goal is to launch it as a Fashion Label. Moreover, The focus will be on creating content for different brands.