#31: Thuto Moon
This week we are joined by stylist, MUA & photographer, Thuto Moon, who tells us more about the influence of late 90’s-early 2000’s pop culture, WonderBuhle's art, B.A.P.S (1997) and more!
Thuto Monareng, who also goes by the name of ‘Thuto Moon’, is a stylist, MUA & photographer. Why Moon you may ask? Well, this is because they’re forever changing & going through different phases whilst remaining authentically themselves, just like the moon. It’s also the light in the darkness… Yes the stars add to the light but the moon is the first thing you see. Thuto Moon is a Fashion Media graduate and their field of study included all of the things which they’re currently pursuing. They also always find it hard when people ask what they are because they haven’t really showcased their talents publicly due to imposter syndrome (lol)… but 2023, that ends!
We welcome them to The FRM Newsletter to share what they’ve been into recently.
👠💄 Personal fashion
My personal fashion influence honestly comes from my mother and how she used to dress when she was younger, plus the influence of late 90’s to early 2000’s pop culture. Like I’m such a big fan of Aaliyah, Lebo Mathosa & TLC and I’ve always wanted to look like them. Blumarine, Fanci Club and KNWLS are some of my favourite international fashion brands just to name a few because they have the vibe I like in terms of clothing. I could honestly go on and on because I’m a fashion-head and I’m always consuming fashion, so I could literally discover a new brand today and it could be my favourite. Locally, Gugu by Gugu and The Bam Collective are my favourite brands, besides the fact that their clothing looks like art pieces. I like brands where you can tell that research and trend forecasting was done.
🎵🎧 Music
This one is so hard to answer honestly because there’s so much music out there, I don’t even know where to start.
🖼️🎨 Art
I genuinely love local art because I feel like our local artists are so talented. My favourites being Wonder Buhle Mbambo and Mashudu Nevhutalu. I love art that incorporates Blackness and that is what theirs entails. Basically, the beauty of Blackness.
🎥🍿 Film
I like very light-hearted vintage movies, so romance & comedy are up my alley. My all-time favourite movie being Matilda (weird I know). I also really loooove Love Jones because it simply displays Black love & Black art, which makes my heart feels so warm. I also like B.A.P.S., not only is it funny but the girls are giving fashion and I love to see it.
📖💯 Books
I’m not gonna lie, I barely read books. I’m literally always reading articles but the two books that I love are ‘Redeeming Love’ by Francine Rivers (this book really made me see how unconditional God’s love is) & ‘You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life’ by Jen Sincero (this book is really sentimental to me because my mother bought it for me at a time when I was struggling with self-doubt and really need some encouragement).
🍖😭 Food
I just really love meat. Not gonna lie, anywhere where there is braai meat and ribs, I’m there — you don’t have to ask me twice.
🧳🚆 Travel and lifestyle
I have been moving around a lot so I got to see so many places. Honestly, if you get the chance to do a young road trip, do it. In fact, explore the province you live in and explore the country we live in — it’s so beautiful.