Peter Bondesio – Fashion Designer with Flair

With the upcoming Bridal and Evening Gown Expo happening at the Rustenburg Civic Centre on 4 June 2016, we decided to visit the internationally acclaimed fashion designer, and host of this event, Peter Bondesio.

1.    Where have you lived before moving to Derby?

I grew up on a farm between Derby and Ventersdorp, where I stayed throughout my school and college years until my mother and I moved to Derby.

2.   Tell us more about your achievements in the fashion industry:

I have been in the fashion industry for over twenty years now. I am privileged to have been blessed with a long and successful career.  In 2003 I became a sponsor for that year’s Miss SA, Cindy Nel. I have also received several awards from the Mrs. SA and Mrs. United Nations pageants for designing the best evening gowns from 2004 until 2007 consecutively. Recently in 2012 I designed Miss SA, Melinda Bam’s evening gowns for the Miss Universe pageant and the next year I designed her wedding dress which could be seen in the Huisgenoot. I have also had the privilege of designing outfits for celebs like Patricia Lewis, Charlize Bergh, Liesel Krauze Wiid, Isak Davel, Tobi Jooste and former Mr. South Africa, Adriaan Bergh.

3.    How do you feel about the fashion industry in South Africa today?

The fashion industry in South Africa is going stronger than ever. I am very excited about the young and upcoming designers entering the SA fashion scene at the moment.

4.    What are you doing now and why did you get involved in charity work?

I think the biggest thing on the agenda for now is probably the Bridal and Evening gown Expo to be held on the 4^th of June at the Rustenburg Civic Centre.

The theme for this year’s expo is “A Feast for the Absurd Senses”.

As you can gather from the theme it is going to be a very interesting experience. I wanted to create something new, unusual and rare. Therefore it is a kind of bohemian look. We are also using a lot of natural and recyclable products in the designs.

The Expo is not just all about the fun, it is a charity and community project from which the proceeds will be donated to child welfare in our area. Helping people in need has always been something that I have held very dear. Children and elderly people have a special place in my heart, they are frail and often neglected and therefore I try my best to help out where I can.

5.    What are your leisure time interests?

Well, when I do have the odd bit of time off I like doing things like gardening, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, painting and spending time with friends and family.

6.    Do you have family here?  

Yes, I do have family in this area. My mother stays with me in Derby and my sister and brother in law and their children stay in Ventersdorp. My younger sister and her husband farms between Ventersdorp and Klerksdorp. My eldest sister and her husband and children live in Pretoria. Therefore Derby is quite conveniently located and close to all the important people in my life.

7.    Do you travel a lot and what is your favorite destination?  

I must admit that I do not travel as often as I would like to, but I guess that comes with the job description when you’re in the manufacturing industry. My team and I work long hours to complete all our orders in time, but it’s all worth the while when the clients are pleased with the end products.

When I do get the time to travel I like going to Mozambique especially.

8.    You could live anywhere in the world, why choose SA?

I grew up on a farm and therefore in my heart I will always be a “plaasseun”. The city life and lights are fun, but my heart always longs back to the peace and quiet of the “platteland”.

South Africa is a special and beautiful country. I love its weather, its natural beauty and most of all its people. I have heard lots of people say that we have the most friendly people in the world and I must agree with them. My friends and family stay here and therefore it will always be my home.

9.    Future plans and Aspirations:

As I mentioned earlier I would like to start traveling more. One of my hobbies has actually become a new business venture and that is how I now find myself in the hospitality industry after opening the Catello de Boncou guest house. It is still early days, but we have already started hosting weddings, birthday parties, Sunday lunches and other functions. I would really like to develop Castello de Boncou into a popular guest house and wedding venue in the next year or so.

Peter Bondesio is not only using the magic of his fashion creations to make women and celebrities look and feel beautiful, but also to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.

All in Rustenburg certainly look forward to “A feast for the Absurd Senses” and all the expo’s to follow.

For more information on this event, click here and keep an eye out as we will be publishing photos of this event afterwards on the interactive galleries.