Stephen Quatember has become a familiar name in the South African fashion industry. Since graduating in 2003 from LISOF he has worked hard to obtain a firm footing in the industry, initially working for well-known South African fashion designer Marianne Fassler both during his studies and after graduating.
His début show at SA Fashion Week 2004 in the Elle New Talent competition was well received with many positive reviews. Thereafter Stephen showed collections in Cape Town and again with SA Fashion Week in 2005 where he was spotted by Woolworths and invited to design his own exclusive range for South African Designers at Woolworths. The Stephen Quatember brand within Woolworths has grown from strength to strength and continues to retain its popularity with a loyal following of customers.
Stephen's style has been described as “subtle and discreet” by Dion Chang and “original, organic and indigenous” by fashion and lifestyle writer Marika Sboros. Adam Levin has commented on his “original creativity in hemlines, naive screen printing and layered volumes” saying he is “a designer to watch “. Women’s Wear Daily in New York described Stephens design aesthetic as being “a cross between Martin Margiela and Yoji Yamamoto”. In 2006 Stephen was nominated for the Marie Claire Prix de la Mode for Best Emerging Designer.
Now based in Cape Town Stephen Quatember runs his private label supplying local boutiques and creating garments for various clients.
With a sense of quirk to his prints and subtle deconstruction in his designs Stephen Quatember clothing is uniquely feminine and intriguing.